Summary: Harry gets tempted by the Mirror of Erised again and meets a succubus who becomes real who can make all his dreams come true. The only thing is, he can't sacrifice himself for England by dying. Harry enters other universes and gets to play with time.

Harry's POV, Summer at the Dursley's, just before 7th year:
Harry walked down the tunnel to the Chamber of Secrets, his wand held out in front of him, lighting his path.
"What am I doing here?" He thought to himself
He knew he was dreaming, but it felt so real. He could feel the moldy, musty air moving past his skin. He could feel the clammy sweat running down his face. The tunnel twisted and turned until finally, Harry came to the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. There, in front of him were the snakes that he had to talk to, to open the Chamber door.
A hissing escaped his lips. "Open up," he hissed. Both sides of the Chamber door pulled apart. Harry swallowed the lump that his risen in his throat. He walked past the entrance and into the shadowy Chamber. The pillars on either side rose up to the vast depths. Each pillar carved with snakes that seemed to be watching him.
Harry looked around nervously as he walked deeper into the Chamber. There in front of him rose the giant statue of Salazar Slytherin.
"What am I doing here?" He thought to himself.
Finally, walking up to the base of the statue, Harry saw something that made his heart lurch. It was the mirror of Erised.
"What's that doing here?" He thought.
Harry walked up to the mirror. He read the inscription one more time just as he had during his first year at Hogwarts..
Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi
He had never been able to figure out what the strange inscription meant, though Dumbledore had told him that it showed one's hearts desire. Harry knew that it did. It had showed him his whole family. The one thing he desired most.
Sure enough, there he was in the middle of the mirror and standing behind him were his family. His mother and father. Grandparents, aunts and uncles. A whole crowd of people.
Harry felt tears start in his eyes. Why was he dreaming about the Mirror of Erised? He had put the past behind him. He knew that it was dangerous to keep dreaming of being reunited with his family. Dumbledore had warned him not to live in dreams. That it could drive one mad.
Suddenly, Harry heard footsteps resound throughout the Chamber. He turned and looked behind him. Approaching him was a tall girl with long brown hair. Her face was pretty. Angular with a long nose and big blue eyes.
"Who are you?" He asked.
The girl came up to him and stood beside him.
"Did you like what you saw inside the mirror?" She asked him.
Harry turned back to the mirror. Then he looked back at her. "No," he said. "It's dangerous. It only shows me something I can't have."
The girl looked at him, a small smile curving her mouth. "Who said you can't have it?" She said. "What if I were able to promise you that you could have your parents back?"
Harry stared at her in shock. "No," he said. "That's impossible. They're dead. You can't bring the dead back to life."
"Nothing's impossible…with time," she said.
"With time?"
The girl nodded at him. "Your parents died sixteen years ago, Harry. What if I were to show you a way to go back in time and get them? What would you do for me?"
Harry stared back at her in shock. "Go back in time?" He asked. "That's forbidden! Wizards aren't allowed to mess with time. It's against wizard law."
"It's against wizard law, Harry. But not everyone has to follow wizard law." Harry stared back at her then at the mirror. His mother smiled at him and Harry felt his eyes sting.
"It's still impossible," he said. "They died sixteen years ago. Even if you went back and got them, you'd change my past. I wouldn't exist as I am now. No," he said shaking his head. "It won't work."
"Look at me Harry," said the girl. "It will work. I'm not talking about changing your past. I'm talking about changing your future."
Harry looked at her, a puzzled expression on his face. "What do you mean?" The girl suddenly looked around. Harry did too, wondering why she was so suddenly interested in the surroundings.
"The sun's coming up," she said. "It's time for me to go. We'll talk again later."
"Wait," said Harry, as he saw her image start to fade. "What did you mean about changing my future?" "Damn," he muttered, as he blinked his eyes rapidly. That was one of the strangest dreams he had ever had, and for Harry Potter, that was saying something. Once, he had dreamed the Dark Lord had come back with the help of Wormtail and had performed the killing curse on a poor old Muggle. His scar had started hurting during the dream and had woken him up. It was a good thing too, for it had been a warning that the Dark Lord was nearby and was actually trying to kill him. But did the dream he had last night mean anything? His scar didn't hurt so it didn't have anything to do with Lord Voldemort. Harry wondered about it as he got out of bed and got dressed. He didn't know if he should ask anyone about this. He was tempted to, but he didn't think it was important enough. It's just that, and he hated to admit this to himself. The dream was so disturbing. As if the girl was trying to tempt him. Harry went downstairs to get breakfast and met Dudley in the hallway. Petunia and Uncle Vernon had given up on the diet two years ago and Dudley was now almost too big to fit in the hallway. Dudley gave him a fearful look as he proceeded Harry into the kitchen. Not that Harry blamed him. During the summer last year, the Death Eaters had been looking for Harry and had almost found him. They had cornered Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon while they were out with Dudley and had tried to use them to get to Harry. But luckily, the Order of the Phoenix had found out and had saved Harry's relatives before they could be harmed. The Death Eaters had been caught and sent to Azkaban, but ever since then, Harry's relatives had walked fearfully about him, afraid Harry's presence would bring more dangerous people about. Harry sat down at the table across from Dudley, who immediately started in on his bacon and eggs, wolfing them down and giving pig-like grunts of satisfaction. Harry watched him in disgust as he started putting marmalade on his toast. Aunt Petunia was just setting the kettle down and had kissed Dudley on his fat head when Uncle Vernon scowled at Harry. "Have you got that letter yet?" He asked, his moustache quivering. Harry stared at him. Uncle Vernon never brought up anything to do with magic or Hogwarts. What made him decide to bring it up now? "No," said Harry. "Though it should be arriving soon. Er…why?" Uncle Vernon's eyes squinted at his nephew. "Why?" He growled, as though Harry asking him why were some unspeakable crime. "Because, last year those…those MONSTERS nearly killed your Aunt Petunia and me…THAT'S WHY!" Harry stared at him. "And?" Uncle Vernon's eyes opened wide and his mouth opened like a fish. "AND!!" He bellowed. "We don't want that happening again! The sooner you're out of here, the sooner we can live in peace and quiet again!" Suddenly Harry understood. They were intent on getting rid of him, though for himself, he was just as intent on leaving. They weren't concerned for his safety. They weren't concerned that it was his last year at Hogwarts and that he still hadn't decided what he wanted to do when he was done. They just wanted to get rid of him so they could go back to their boring, normal, muggle lives. Suddenly, Harry wasn't quite so hungry. He stood up and was about to leave the table when Uncle Vernon's voice stopped him. "Where do you think you're going?" He roared. "Back to my room!" Shouted Harry. "That way you don't have to be around me anymore!" And Harry stormed out of the kitchen and went back upstairs to his bedroom. Once he got there, he looked around and was disheartened. It was too early to pack and he had no one to talk to. Hedwig was gone. Harry had sent her to Ron's a day ago to ask if he could come and stay the summer with him. Harry had been hurt that Ron hadn't asked him to stay but he had swallowed his pride and sent Hedwig off. He couldn't stand it if he had to stay here the whole summer. Harry went to his desk and decided to pull out his textbooks. At least he could study for his N.E.W.T.S (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests) until his letter from Hogwarts arrived, or more hopefully, Hedwig arrived with his answer from Ron. Two hours, frustrated by studying, Harry heard a clicking at his window. He looked up and to his relief, saw it was Hedwig. "Thanks goodness," he said, as he got up and went to the window to open it. Hedwig fluttered into the room and landed on his desk. Harry went to her and hurriedly tore off the letter that was attached to her leg. He opened it and read Ron's reply. Dear Harry, How are your holidays? Probably not that good what with the Muggles, eh? Of course you can come stay with us this summer. I'm sorry I didn't mention it after we got off the train. How about in a couple of weeks, ok? I wish it could be sooner, but Mum and Dad are in Romania visiting Charlie and I've got to ask them. Hey, how about we spend our last days this summer at the Leaky Cauldron? I've got some money saved up and it would be fun to let off some steam before we start back to school. Let me know what you think. Hope to hear from you soon. Your friend, Ron Harry read the letter thankfully and then pulled his quill and a piece of parchment towards him. Two whole weeks. Well, it could be worse. He could survive that long with the Dursley's. At least he'd have something to look forward to. And he liked Ron's idea of blowing off steam at the Leaky Cauldron before they had to start the new term. Harry still had quite a bit of wizarding gold left and thought he deserved a good time at Diagon Alley before he started his last year at Hogwarts. Harry wrote out his reply Dear Ron, Thank you for saying yes. I'll reserve a spot on the Knight Bus and see you in two weeks. I like your idea of blowing off steam at the Leaky Cauldron before we start back at Hogwarts. It should be a lot of fun. Count me in! I'll see you in two weeks. Harry Harry folded the paper and called Hedwig over to him. "I know you just got in but could you please go back to Ron's place?" Hedwig looked over at him, her amber eyes fixing him with an affectionate glance as if to say it was okay. Harry attached his letter to her leg then ruffled her feathers. Hedwig gave him low hoot and then spread her wings and flew off through the window. Harry watched her go in relief. Two weeks. And he'd have to reserve a seat on the Knight Bus. But Harry wasn't sure how to do that. Of course, he could always wait and try to stick out his wand arm on the night he wanted to leave, but what if there wasn't a bed that was available? No, he'd try to do it properly. But how? Then he had it. There was a witch nearby who could help him. Arabella Fig. That's it. He'd go to her house and ask her. Harry went downstairs and into the living room where Uncle Vernon was watching the news. "Yes!" Yelled Uncle Vernon. "Um…I just thought you should know," said Harry. "My friend Ron has asked if I could stay with him until the term starts. He said I could come in two weeks." Uncle Vernon's eyes glared at Harry as he stood next to the door. "They're not coming to get you are they? Not going to come barging in my house, breaking things and wearing those ridiculous clothes, are they?" Harry shook his head. "No," he said. "I'll be going there by myself." Uncle Vernon grunted. "And how will you be doing that?" Harry thought it over. He wasn't sure he should explain to Uncle Vernon about the Knight Bus. The idea that a magical bus went all over England and picked up and dropped off witches and wizards might be too much. Harry decided that a little bit of the truth was the best thing. "I'll be taking a bus," he said. Uncle Vernon snorted. "Broom not good enough, eh? Hmmph! About time you did something that was normal for a change!" Harry didn't respond to that. "So, can I leave then?" Harry thought it over and decided he'd add something that would help his uncle make up his mind in his favor. "You'll be getting rid of me sooner and you won't have to worry about the Death Eaters coming back." Uncle Vernon's head snapped back to Harry where before they had been focused on the news. "Death Eaters! What Bloody Death Eaters!" "No no," said Harry. "They're not here! Don't worry!" Uncle Vernon suddenly stood up and went to the window. "They better not be here!" "I just meant," said Harry, "that you'll get rid of me sooner and you won't have to worry about being attacked again." Uncle Vernon returned to his chair. "Get rid of you sooner, eh? Well, I daresay that won't be so bad. Yes," he said. "you can go back to those…those weirdos you're so fond of." Harry breathed a sigh of relief and tried not to let his happiness show on his face. "And mind you!" Shouted Uncle Vernon as Harry was about to turn to go. "Don't you dare come back!" Harry felt his teeth clench. "Don't worry," said Harry in his coldest voice. "You couldn't force me to come back." Harry walked out of the living room and out the front door. He was seething with anger at Uncle Vernon even though he was happy that he was going to get to leave in two weeks. A few houses away, Harry came on Arabella Figg's house and walked up the sidewalk to ring the bell. He swallowed nervously. Mrs. Figg was an old witch who was a member of the Order of the Phoenix. A group of witches and wizards that Dumbledore had gathered together a number of years ago to fight against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Over the years that he had been with the Dursley's, Harry had not known that Mrs. Figg was a witch, even though he had stayed with her a number of times whenever the Dursley's went somewhere fun. Her house always smelled like cabbage and cats and Harry wasn't always fond of being there, but since he had found out she was a witch and was actually in the neighborhood to help keep an eye on him, his feelings towards her had warmed considerably. Harry rang the bell and a few seconds later, Mrs. Figg's small, spectacled face appeared at the window. She opened the door. "Hello Mr. Potter," she said, smiling at him. She opened the door wider and Harry followed her inside. Walking behind her, down the hall towards her kitchen, she turned to him and asked, "What brings you here for a visit?" Harry waited till they had got to the kitchen. Mrs. Figg started bustling about making tea and setting out biscuits on the table. "I wanted to ask you a question," said Harry. "I wonder. How do you reserve a bed on the Knight Bus?" Mrs. Figg stopped in the middle of setting the kettle on the stove and looked at Harry and then gave a shudder. "The Knight Bus?" She asked, and then she shuddered again. "Yes," said Harry. "You see, I want to go to my friend Ron's house and I'll have to use the Knight Bus to get there." "Mrs. Figg shook her head at Harry. "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Harry. The Death Eaters could be out looking for you." Harry looked down for a moment and then back up at her. "I'd be with Ron's family. I'd be well protected and I've been there before." "True," she said. "Well as long as you'll be with full-fledged wizards, I guess it's okay." Harry smiled at her. "So, will you help me reserve a seat on the Knight Bus then?" Mrs. Figg gave him a big smile in return. "I'll help you," she said. "I daresay you and your friend want to have a bit of fun before your last term, don't you?" Harry blushed. "Actually," he said. "We were thinking of going into Diagon Alley a few days before the train left." "Good for you!" She said. "But mind you watch your P's and Q's. Don't go getting into trouble." Harry rolled his eyes. Mrs. Figg was always saying things like that, as if he were a small boy who constantly got into trouble. Then again, trouble did seem to keep finding him. "I promise, we'll behave," said Harry. Mrs. Figg nodded her head. "Right then, let's get that seat reserved for you, shall we?" "Great," said Harry. Mrs. Figg stood up and went to her fireplace. She reached into a flower pot and pulled a glittering substance that she immediately threw into the flames. Harry thought she was using Floo Powder but to his astonishment, instead of the flames turning green, they turned scarlet. "What's that you're doing?" He asked. "I have to talk to Stan Shunpike," said Mrs. Figg. "This is faster than using Owl Post." Harry watched her put her face close to the flames. And then she stuck her head into the fireplace. "STAN SHUNPIKE!" She shouted. A few seconds later, a head appeared in the flames. It was Stan Shunpike, the conductor of the Knight Bus. "Wha's up?" He asked. "Who called me?" Mrs. Figg crossed her arms and looked down crossly at Stan's face, which was still quite pimply though he was a few years older. "This young man needs to reserve a seat on the Knight Bus," said Mrs. Figg. "Who?" Asked Stan. "Mr. Potter," said Mrs. Figg. Stan's face looked around the kitchen and spotted Harry at the table. He blinked. "Oh! Right then!" He said. "What day do you want us to pick you?" Asked Stan. "Two weeks," said Harry. "Right, then. You'll pay us when we come get you." Harry nodded his head. Stan looked back up at Mrs. Figg. "Is that all?" "That's all," said Mrs. Figg. "Right," said Stan. "Well, good-bye then." Stan's face disappeared and the flames went back to normal. Harry was wondering something. "Mrs. Figg," he said. "Why don't wizards just use the fireplace instead of owls for talking to each other." "Oh Harry dear," said Mrs. Figg, turning around to look at him and shaking her head. "Wizards use all sorts of means for communicating. We're not like muggles you know. We have all sorts of methods in case something doesn't work." "I see," said Harry. He finished his tea and biscuits. "Well, thanks for the tea," he said. "And thanks for helping me with the Knight Bus." "Not at all dear," said Mrs. Figg, smiling affectionately at him He was back in the Chamber of Secrets and again, the strange tall girl with the blue eyes was beside him. The Mirror of Erised was in front of him again and his family was smiling back at him. "Why am I back here?" Asked Harry. "You have to make a choice," said the girl. Harry looked at her. He noticed again that she was pretty. "What choice do I have to make?" "Do you want to save your parents?" Harry took a deep breath and looked back into the Mirror. His mother waved at him. "I'd love to save my parents, but how?" "If you want to save your parents you must choose me," said the girl. Harry's brows knitted together. "Choose you?" He asked. "Choose you how?" "I'll be coming to Hogwarts soon, Harry. You'll meet me. And all you will know is that you have to choose me." "Choose you." "Yes, choose me and together we can bring your parents back." Harry wondered something about her. He had to ask her. "You're evil aren't you?" He asked. The girl smiled at him. "Voldemort said that there was no good or evil, only power. I'm not trying to give you power, Harry. I only want you to be happy." "If you really wanted me to be happy," said Harry. "You'd just help me get my parents back. I wouldn't have to choose you." The girl suddenly frowned. Harry felt a tug at his heart. He hadn't meant to make her unhappy. "I have to be happy too, Harry. And I can only be happy with you. I want to make your dreams come true and mine as well." "What are your dreams?" Asked Harry. "To be with you. To make you happy." Harry frowned at her. A girl who really wanted to be with him and make all his dreams come true. Why? He asked himself. What was he to this girl. "Who are you?" Asked Harry. Suddenly, her image started to fade. Harry knew what was coming. But he shouted his question at her again. "WHO ARE YOU!?" Sunlight filtered through the curtains onto Harry's bed. His mouth was still forming the words that had been in his dream. "Who are you?" He whispered. This was the second time he had dreamed of this girl. He had to know who she was. Was he really going to meet her and could she make all his dreams come true? What really scared Harry was the fact that she said he had to choose her. He didn't sense evil from her, but he did sense something dark. Would he have to go over to the dark side if he chose her. Harry hoped not. He remembered Dumbledore's words about choices. It had been during his second year when he had told Dumbledore that the only reason the sorting hat had placed him in Gryffindor was because he had asked it not to place him Slytherin. What would happen to him if he chose this dark girl who came in his dreams? But Harry suddenly snorted. He didn't think it likely he was going to meet her. It wasn't as if all his dreams came true. Harry felt a weight settle down beside him on his bed. He opened his eyes and looked to his left. The girl with the blue eyes was back. "What's going on?" He asked. "Why are you here and not back in the chamber. The girl gave him a grin. "I thought I'd help you make your choice," she said. Harry frowned at her, his eyes squinting in the darkness at her. "How are you going to do that?" He asked. The girl leaned towards and pressed a kiss to his lips. Harry pulled away. "What are you doing?" "Just let me make you happy," she said. She leaned over and kissed him again. Harry felt her tongue slide between his lips. She tasted good, sort of spicy and sweet. Unable to control himself, he met her tongue with his own. After a few minutes, Harry felt her pull away. "That was nice," said Harry. "That was supposed to help me make my choice?" "For now," she said, smiling at him. But tomorrow night, be prepared for more." Harry woke up, his sheets in a tangle. Third night and she came yet again. Only this time she came in his room. What was going on with him? Why wouldn't this girl leave him alone? Feeling secretly ashamed, Harry got ready for bed early that night. He hated to admit it to himself but he was looking forward to tonight's dream. It was almost like watching a series on TV and waiting for the next episode. He lay down and tried to relax. Eventually, he felt himself drifting and then falling asleep… "I'm back," said a voice in his ear. Harry looked over and saw the pretty girl again. "What's going to happen tonight?" He asked. She gave him a small smile. "Just lay back and relax," she said. "I promise you'll enjoy it." Harry tried to relax his body and felt her weight shift. She was getting closer to him, pressing their bodies together. "What are you going to do?" He asked. For answer, she leaned in close to him and pulled his head towards her. She kissed him again and again, Harry felt her tongue enter his mouth. He kissed her back, allowing his own tongue to meet hers. They tasted each other for awhile, Harry feeling tingles move through his body down to his groin until she pulled away from him. "That was nice," said Harry. "It gets better," she said. Harry watched her with some trepidation as she leaned over and kissed his chin. He watched her head move as she kissed her way down his neck and to his chest. He was surprised and shocked that his t-shirt seemed to be gone. "What are you doing?" He asked. "Sshhh," she said, lifting her head briefly. She continued to kiss her way down his chest and Harry felt her body move as her lips moved. It was like fire moving down his body, each kiss left a trail of wetness and sent tingles moving through him and down to his dick, making it hard. She reached his belly button and Harry felt her tongue lick him. "Oh God," he cried out. "What are you going to do?" She didn't answer but continued to lick his belly, slowly moving her down until she reached to top of his groin. Harry was beginning to get an idea of what was coming. He felt her chin graze his dick and Harry pivoted his hips to meet her. He felt himself rub against her cheek and excitement coursed through him. He was so turned on. He was so hard with desire. Whatever she was going to do, she had better do soon. He couldn't stand the waiting. As if in answer to his silent pleas, Harry felt her mouth come down suddenly on his dick and squeeze him tightly. He cried out at the sudden pressure and wetness on his dick and closed his eyes, enjoying the sensations that were going through him. He felt her mouth move up and down on him, tightening in spasms, the tongue pressing up against his hardness. Fiery tingles coursed through him and Harry wanted more. He put his hands on her head and squeezed the sides of it in agony. He wanted her to go faster, suck him harder! Again, it was if she could read his mind. Harry felt her squeeze his dick even harder and mouth moved even faster. "Oh God!" He cried out. "Oh please! What are you doing to me?" She moved even faster, her tongue rhythmically pressing against him. Harry felt himself harden, getting ready to squirt cum into her mouth. If she didn't stop soon, he was going to come! In answer, she moved if possible even faster. Harry felt himself ready to come, his mouth open in a silent scream. And then…and then… Sunlight filtered through the window again. Harry felt its warmth on his face as he cried out, "Don't Stop!" He opened his eyes, waking himself up, sweat pouring down his face, his muscles clenched. He glanced down and saw his dick poking up through his pajamas. He felt hard as a rock. "Oh God," he said. "Why did she have to stop?" He couldn't help himself. He was so turned on. He tried to force his mind away from the erotic dream but it kept coming back to him. It was supposed to help him make up his mind, but he wasn't sure how that was supposed to be. Harry put his hand inside his pajamas and felt his hard dick. He'd have to jack off if he was going to be able to get out of bed and face the day. He clenched his dick and thought of his dream. Her hot kisses. The way she'd kissed, sucked and licked her way down to his groin. The feel of her mouth on his hardness. Harry felt himself harden even more as he thought of the way her mouth had moved on him. Sweat poured down his face and his hips rocked up and down as he imagined her next to him. Finally, when he thought he could take it no longer, he finally came, explosions of pleasure coursing through his dick and up into his body. He groaned as he felt his semen squirt out over his fingers and onto his belly. What was this girl doing to him? Why did she have to do this to him? Why must he choose her? He thought to himself. He rolled out of bed and pulled his pajama pants up. Tiptoeing to the door, he opened it and peeked out. He heard noises coming from downstairs. Harry crept noiselessly to the bathroom and cleaned up his mess. Looking in the mirror, he shook his head. He felt ashamed of himself for being so turned on by a dark dream, but he didn't know what to do about it. Finally, cleaned up and dressed, Harry decided that if these dreams didn't start, he'd ask someone for help. Maybe Ron could help him. He'd ask him when he saw him next week. The dreams continued, one every night for the next fortnight until the day before Harry left for the Burrow. Instead of the Chamber of Secrets, the girl came to his room and every night she made love to him till the break of dawn. It wasn't always so frustrating as it had been the first night, either. A few times, Harry woke up and noticed that his pajamas were wet and that he must have helped himself come in time to the dream during the night. It was getting worse. The girl would do all sorts of things to him, and not just suck on his dick. She'd lick his nipples. She'd sit on top of him and grind her hips into his while Harry felt like he was making love to her. Every night it went on and on. And always at the beginning, she'd tell him he'd have to choose her if he wanted to save his parents. Harry didn't know what to do. He was frustrated because it was almost like making love to someone (not that he knew what that was like, since he was still a virgin) yet it wasn't. It was just a dream and he knew that in reality, he was making himself come. No woman was visiting him. Feeling angry with himself, Harry was determined to try and make these dreams stop. He didn't need help with wanking off. He'd tell the girl to go away the next time it happened. Harry lugged his trunk down the stairs and set it against the front door next to Hedwig's cage. In the living room, Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley were watching one of their favorite shows on the television. Walking to the living room door, Harry called out softly, "I’m going now." Aunt Petunia looked over at him, her face set in a disapproving frown. "Are you all packed?" She asked. "Yes," said Harry. Uncle Vernon squinted his beady eyes at him. "Nothing missing upstairs? All that…that rubbish is picked up?" Harry frowned in thought. "What rubbish?" He asked. Aunt Petunia looked over at Uncle Vernon with fear on her face. Uncle Vernon's eyes opened wide in horrified surprise at Harry's question. "You know what I mean, boy," roared Uncle Vernon. "The rubbish you use to go to that…that school of yours!" Harry understood. They were talking about his cauldron, broomstick, quills and things. "Yes," he said. "It's all packed up. I left nothing upstairs." Uncle Vernon's eyes got even more squinty if possible. "And you won't be coming back here, then will you?" Harry frowned at him. "No I won't," he said. "Good then!" Yelled Uncle Vernon. "You stay away from our house and stick to your own kind!" "Don't worry," said Harry. "I will!" Harry turned furiously on his heel and opened the front door. Picking up Hedwig's cage, he carried it outside to wait for the Knight Bus. He had just brought out his trunk when he heard a WHAM, followed by a squeal of tires. Harry saw that it was the bus. The doors on the side of it opened wide and Stan Shunpike came out. "Right then," he said, looking over at Harry. "Harry Potter for The Burrow, right?" "Right," said Harry. He held out the money to Stan, who took it then the two of pulled Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage onto the bus. "You'll be in the first bed, then," said Stan, who used his foot to shove Harry's trunk under the first bed behind Ernie's chair. "Last one off. We've got quite a crowd tonight." Harry settled himself onto the bed and with a BANG, the Knight Bus took off. Harry's bed bounced and jostled and Harry tried to lay back and get some sleep. It was hard what with the way the bus moved, dodging trees, trash cans and houses as it sped through England. Harry's eyelids were just about to shut when Stan's voice called out to him. "Seen the paper yet?" He asked. Harry sat up. "No," he said. "Why?" Stan handed him the front page of the Daily Prophet. Daily Prophet Ministry officials get ready to greet exchange students from Abroad. Below that was a picture of Cornelius Fudge and a brief explanation of how exchange students from several countries were coming to Hogwarts to learn advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts. "All Dumbledore's idea, they say," said Stan. "Going to train them to fight against the Death Eaters and You-Know-Who." Harry read through the article and looked at the picture. It said they would be arriving soon and would be ready to start Hogwarts at the beginning of the term. Harry handed the paper back to Stan and tried to lay down again. The rumbling of the bus and its constant motion almost threw him out of bed until finally, he felt himself drifting off. "Harry," said a voice in his ear. "Harry," it said yet again. Harry looked to his left and saw her there again. "Oh God, please, not again," he said to her. She chuckled at him and settled in closer to him. "Go away," said Harry. "I don't want to do this again." Harry felt her hand settle on his stomach and he clenched his muscles in response. "It's alright Harry. I won't do anything tonight. You're not alone." "Thank you," he said. "I don't think I could stand being frustrated again." "I don't mean to frustrate you," she said. "Remember. I only want to make you happy." Harry blinked at her. "Why all the sex?" He asked. The girl smiled at him. "Didn't it make you happy?" Harry leaned his head back. "Yes," he said. "But I still want to know why. Why is this supposed to help me make my choice?" "Harry, just think," she said. "What would it be like if I were to do this to you for real?" Harry tried to imagine it, but failed. Right now, it was agony and ecstasy. What would happen if it were to happen in real life? Suddenly, she leaned over and kissed him on the lips. Harry pulled back. "I thought you said you weren't going to do anything?" He asked. The girl chuckled at him. "You're too much of a temptation to me, Harry. I couldn't resist." Harry stared at her in shock. "I'm a temptation," he said. "That's funny. I thought that that's what you were supposed to be for me?" "I am," she said. "Do I tempt you?" Harry thought it over. "Is that what this is about? Are you supposed to tempt me?" "You've figured it out," she said. "Now tell me, what can I tempt you with?" Harry looked at her. "You tempt me with my family and you tempt me with love making." "True," she said. "And would they both make you happy?" Harry thought it over. "You know that they would. But what happens to me if I choose you and give in to temptation?" "You win," she said, grinning at him. "Yes, but what do I win?" "You win everything," she said. Harry frowned. He knew he'd heard this story somewhere before. About a guy who was tempted and had fought the devil. "What do I lose if I give in to temptation and choose you?" Asked Harry. "Do I lose my soul?" "No my dear," she said. "You don't lose your soul." "But I'll lose something, won't I?" The girl frowned at him. "You're very perceptive," she said. "Yes, you will lose something, but I don't think you'll miss it." "What?" He asked. "Harry…Harry! Harry dear wake up!" "Poor thing, he's exhausted!" Harry heard the voices over him and opened his eyes, blinking them several times as he struggled to awaken. He looked up into the kind brown eyes of Mrs. Weasley. She was standing next to his bed in her dressing gown, Ron at her side. "Oh, sorry," he said, sitting up. "Right," said Stan. "Off you go!" Harry stood up and together he and Ron dragged his trunk and Hedwig's cage off the Knight Bus. They lugged it across the yard and into the Weasley's house, which rose several stories into the chill night air. Mrs. Weasley's voice came from behind them. "Just go upstairs and make yourself at home, Harry dear." "Thanks Mrs. Weasley," said Harry. She looked at him kindly. "Try to get some more rest," she said. "You look as if you haven't slept well in ages." Harry felt himself blush as he turned away from her and he and Ron made their way up the several flights of stairs to Ron's bedroom at the top of the house. The ghoul who haunted the attic was in rare form tonight and was banging away on the pipes above Ron's room. "So, what were you dreaming about Harry?" Asked Ron as he helped Harry put his trunk at the end of the camp bed. "Uh, why do you ask?" Asked Harry, looking up in surprise. "Because, you were talking in your sleep." Harry's blush returned. "Oh, it was nothing," he said. "Just a…just a…you know A nightmare." Ron's eyes widened in horror. "It wasn't about You-Know-Who, was it?" Harry laughed. "No, it wasn't" "Good," said Ron, relief evident on his face. Harry put his pajamas on and was just stretching out on the bed when he heard Ron's voice in the dark. "Did you hear about what's happening at Hogwarts this year? Heard what old Dumbledore's up to?" "Yeah," said Harry. "I read about it on the Knight Bus on the way over here." "Exchange students," said Ron. "I hope it's better than during the Tri-Wizard tournament." Harry hoped so as well. During the Tri-Wizard tournament, which had been held during his fourth year, his name had been entered as the fourth contestant in the tournament, when there were supposed to be only three. Harry had eventually won the tournament, but only after coming face to face with a revived Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Harry had narrowly escaped them and once back on the grounds of Hogwarts, had found that one of Voldemort's servants had taken the place of the Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher, Mad-Eye Moody, and had placed Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire, which chose the contestants. Harry was wondering what the students would be like, when he felt his eyelids close and he drifted off to sleep. He heard a giggle next to him in the darkness. "I knew you'd come back," said Harry, turning to face and giving her a grin. "Good," she said. "You've come to expect me. It's make things a whole lot easier." "What do I have to give up?" He asked. "You have to give up two things, Harry. Your virginity and your innocense." Harry frowned in thought. He didn't mind giving up his virginity. It was not something he was happy to have, to tell the truth. But wouldn't he be giving up his innocence if he gave up his virginity too? He asked her. "No," she said. "I don't mean that innocence. I mean another kind." "What kind?" Asked Harry. The girl frowned at him. "It's too soon to tell you. But when the time is right, I promise I'll let you know." Harry looked at her in seriousness. "If you don't tell me now, how can I choose you?" "I'm afraid you're going to have to make that choice before I tell you," she said. "When do I have to make this choice?" "Before the Christmas Holidays. You'll be seeing me soon. And when we meet, you can tell me your choice." Suddenly, the girl leaned over to kiss him and like before, Harry felt her tongue reach into his mouth. He pulled away from her suddenly. "No!" He shouted. "Go away! If you won't tell me you can't come back and tempt me anymore!" "Harry! Harry! Wake up!" Harry blinked his eyes. He saw he was in the camp bed in Ron's rooms and not in his own room back on Privet Drive. "Wha…what is it?" Asked Harry, looking over at Ron. Sunlight was just coming through the windows. "You were shouting," said Ron. "Were you having another nightmare?" Harry suddenly remembered his dream and where it had been about to go. He also remembered that he was going to talk to Ron about this and see if he could come up with any advice. "Ron," he said, sitting up in bed and running his hands through his fingers. "I've got a bit of a problem." Ron looked over at him, his brows furrowed. "What is it?" He asked. Harry sighed. "I keep having these dreams about a girl. A…a girl I've never met before." "Yeah," said Ron. "And?" "Well, she keeps saying I've got a choice to make and she wants to tempt me." Ron's eyes widened. "Tempt you with what?" He asked. "She wants to give me back my parents and she's also been tempting me with… well, this is embarrassing…but she's been tempting me with, you know…" And Harry made a vague gesture towards his privates. "No, I don't know," said Ron, who looked thoroughly bewildered. Harry groaned in frustration. "She's been tempting me with stuff that's, well, erotic." Ron looked confused for a second more until it finally dawned on him what Harry was saying. "Oh!" He said. "I see." And then Ron grinned at him. "Don't smile," said Harry. "It isn't funny." "So, let me get this straight," said Ron. "You're not really having nightmares, you're having erotic dreams about a girl who can give you back your parents?" "Yeah," said Harry. "And she keeps telling me I have to choose her and that we're going to meet at Hogwarts this year." Ron shook his head. "I don't see how that's possible," he said. "Unless…" Harry looked at him. "Unless what?" He asked. "Unless, she's a succubus." "A what?" Asked Harry. "A succubus," said Ron. "Don't tell me you've never heard of them before?" Harry looked at him in astonishment. "No, I haven't. What's a succubus?" Ron looked at him is if he were daft. Hermione's influence on him was clearly showing. "A succubus is a demon or a person who comes into your dreams. They give you erotic fantasies, but they always leave you wanting more." Harry thought this over. It was true the dreams were erotic and he did always want more. He wanted to know what it felt like to really be with her. "But then again," said Ron. "It may not be a succubus." "Why do you say that?" Asked Harry. "She said she's coming to Hogwarts, didn't she? Sounds like it could be someone with a lot of dark magic." "What do you mean?" "Well, think about it Harry. Someone who has the power to come into your dreams and they say they're going to meet you. It's got to be a powerful dark witch." Harry thought about this. He had definitely sensed something dark about the girl, though what, he couldn't rightly say. "So what do you think I should do?" Asked Harry. "Tell her to go away," said Ron. "That's the only thing you can do to a succubus. Eventually she'll get tired and leave you alone." "Yeah, but she said she'd help me get my parents back," said Harry. "Harry, she just said that so you'd allow her to keep coming back. A succubus will do that sometimes. So they can keep bothering your dreams." Harry frowned at Ron. "How do you know so much about this?" "Oh, Charlie had a problem with a succubus when he was fifteen. Kept promising him all sorts of things. He wouldn't come out of his room." "What did Charlie do?" "I don't know, but he obviously got rid of it. I mean, he's okay now, isn't he?" Harry thought that over. Maybe he should tell the girl to leave him alone. But he was also curious. He wanted to know what would happen if he chose her. The two of them got dressed and went down to breakfast. Mrs. Weasley was stirring a pot of porridge on the stove. "Good morning you two," she said, as she turned to smile at them. Harry said good morning to her then sat down. Mrs. Weasley then came over and ladled a large bowl of porridge for Harry. Mr. Weasley then came into the room. "Well, Harry," he said. "Did you get off alright?" "Yes, Mr. Weasley." "Your aunt and uncle didn't give you any problems, did they?" "No sir. No problems at all." "Good," said Mr. Weasley as he helped himself to the porridge that Mrs. Weasley had just set before him. "So," he said. "Heard the news yet? Dumbledore's invited exchange students to Hogwarts." "I heard about it last night," said Harry. "How many are coming?" "Don't know," said Mr. Weasley. "They're being met by the regents day after tomorrow." "Hey Harry," said Ron, "that's when we'll be in Diagon Alley. Maybe we'll get the chance to meet them." "Now Ron," said Mrs. Weasley. "Your father and I haven't quite given permission for you to go to Diagon Alley." "Aww Mum," said Ron. "Harry and I deserve the chance to blow off a little steam before the term starts." "I don't want you two getting into trouble," she said, with a stern look at Ron. "It's not as if I was Fred or George," said Ron. "Be that as it may," she said, shaking a finger at him. "You've gotten into enough trouble as it is." "Mum, I'm not going to get into trouble. Harry and I just want a chance to have some fun before we go back to school." "Molly," said Mr. Weasley, "I think it will be alright." "Well, I don't know," she said. "C'mon Mum!" Said Ron. Mrs. Weasley was clearly thinking it over. Harry tried hard not to meet her eyes though he was fervently hoping she'd say it was alright. "Well, alright then," she said. "But don't go down Knockturn Alley!" "Why would we do that?" Asked Ron. "Don't play innocent with me," said Mrs. Weasley. "Just promise you'll stay out of that horrible place." "We promise," said Ron. "And stay out of Muggle London," said Mr. Weasley. "We don't want you stirring up trouble with the muggles a few days before your last term." "No problem," said Ron. "We'll stick to Diagon Alley. Besides, Harry's stayed there by himself before, didn't you Harry?" "True," said Harry. "Right before my third year when they thought Sirius Black was after me." "See?" Said Ron. "Alright then dears. Just try to behave yourselves." "We will." Ron and Harry finished their breakfast and then went outside to play Quidditch, Ron pitching apples and Harry making spectacular dives to get them. They had been playing for awhile when Harry noticed a red head coming over the hill in their direction. "Your sister's coming," said Harry. Ron looked over his shoulder. "God," he said. "I wonder what she wants." Ginny's head came into view and she smiled coquettishly up at Harry, who couldn't help grinning back. "Mum wants you two to help me," she said. "The gnomes have come back." "Now?" Asked Ron. "But we only started playing a few minutes ago." "She wants you to help me now," said Ginny, who had put her hands on her hips. Harry thought that stance made her look a lot like Mrs. Weasley when she was determined to get her way. Harry came down out of the tree tops and shouldered his broom. He and Ron followed Ginny back to the house and out behind it to the garden. Harry could hear the gnomes giggling merrily and knew they had found their way back to their burrows. He and Ron got busy along with Ginny and were soon digging into bushes, grabbing gnomes by their legs and then swinging them furiously before tossing them over the hedge. Ginny chose that moment to speak to Harry, which surprised Harry since she still acted as if she couldn’t string two words together whenever she was around him. "You two are going up to Diagon Alley in a couple of days, aren't you?" She asked. "Yeah," said Ron, who was busy swinging a gnome over the hedge. "And you're not welcome to come along." Ginny looked over at Ron and frowned at him. "It's not as if I was asking, was I?" She said. "Then why did you mention it?" Asked Ron. "I just…I, uh…" "See! You were going to ask to come along." Harry looked over at Ginny who was blushing furiously. "Did you want to come too?" He asked. Ginny looked over at him and it was as if her face were made out of red hot coals that had set her hair on fire. "No!" Shouted Ron. "If she comes we won't be able to have any fun." "I just wanted to go with you to get my things for school," said Ginny. "Told you so! And NO! You're not coming." "I'll ask Mum!" Shouted Ginny. She turned around and ran around the house. "Ron, it's alright," said Harry. "It won't bother me if she comes with us." Secretly, Harry was alright with spending time with Ginny. She had become more interesting over the years and she had become more pretty. "I don't want her barging in on our fun," said Ron. They finished de-gnoming the garden and went back into the house to wash up for lunch. Mrs. Weasley was just pulling a meat pie out of the oven. "Ron!" She said fiercely. "You will take your sister with you to Diagon Alley!" "But Mum," said Ron, but he didn't get a chance to say anymore. "She's not staying with you," she said. "She just needs to get her shopping done. I don't see any reason for you not to take her with you. She'll come back by floo powder when she's finished." Ron's face was flushed with anger as he washed his hands at the sink. "Stupid little git," Harry heard him mutter. Ginny came into the kitchen just then and Ron shot her a furious glare. "Alright," he said. "You can come, but just be sure to stay out of our way!" "Hmmmph!" Snorted Ginny. "As if I wanted to do nothing but hang around with two stupid boys all day." Harry looked up at her in surprise. Usually she didn't lump Harry with Ron when she was being insulting. "All right dears," said Mrs. Weasley. "That'll be enough." Later that night, Ron was mumbling diatribes against Ginny. "She'll be hanging on our heels the whole time," said Ron. "We'll have to lose her when we get there." "Ron," said Harry. "I really don't mind. Ginny isn't that bad." "Well, I do mind. I have to live with her most of the time and you don't. I get a chance to be free of her and what does she do? She wangles her way in on our fun." Harry shook his head. He had been meaning to talk to Ron about Ginny and about how his feelings for her had changed. But he didn't know how he could talk to Ginny's older brother about this. It was just too awkward. A few days later, Harry and Ron had traveled by Floo Powder to the Leaky Cauldron. They brought Ginny with them but had had to make several trips in order to get all their things to the inn. The little old man who tended the bar showed them up to a room and they got everything situated before coming back downstairs. Ginny was waiting for them downstairs before they all left to go into Diagon Alley. Harry used his wand to tap the bricks and soon they were through the magical archway that led to the street. "All right," said Ron, turning to Ginny, "go and get your shopping done and then go home." Ginny flushed red at his remarks but put her nose in the air. She clutched her purse tightly under her arm and strolled off out of sight. Ron was grinning. "Now we can have some fun, now that she's gone." Harry was frowning at Ron. "What's up?" Asked Ron. "Nothing," said Harry. Ron shrugged his shoulders. "What should we do first?" He asked. Harry looked around. There were so many possibilities that were open to them. "Let me get some money first," said Harry. "Then we'll look around." They went to Gringotts and Harry got some money out of his vault. They were headed to Quality Quidditch Supplies when they saw a group of people ahead of them. Harry spied a large group of teenagers whom he had never seen before and Draco Malfoy's blond head. "Here comes trouble," said Ron, as he also spied the group of people. They continued walking and came abreast of the large group. Harry also saw Lucius Malfoy and several other grownups. Then Harry did a double take. He saw a girl amongst the teenagers. She was tall with long brown hair. Harry felt his heart beat faster. It couldn't be, he thought to himself. It couldn't be the girl who was in his dreams. Ron was looking over the group of teenagers. "I bet those are the exchange students," he said. "Want to go and meet them?" Harry. Harry looked at Ron, his heart pounding and his face turning red. "No," he said. "Quick! Let's go the other way!" Ron looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "What's wrong with you Harry?" "Ron, that girl. The one in my dreams! She's here!" Ron turned around and looked back at the group. He saw that the girl was in Conversation with Lucius Malfoy and his son. "I hope you're wrong, Harry," he said. "She seems to be getting on well with the Malfoys. You know Harry, if it is her. I'd say she is a Dark Witch." They were walking in the direction opposite of the group. Harry was thinking furiously. "How could she get into my dreams?" He asked Ron. "You know, we could ask Hermione," said Ron. "I bet she would know or could find out." "You're right," said Harry. "I'll tell her and see what she says." They did their shopping and ran into Ginny at Flourish and Blotts while they were buying their books for the new term. "Did you meet the exchange students?" Asked Ginny. "No," said Harry firmly. "We didn't." "I did," said Ginny. "They seem really nice." Then Ginny's face went into a frown. "All except one. She was the strangest girl. She didn't seem like teenager at all." "Which one?" Asked Ron. "Some tall girl from America," said Ginny. "She kind of gave me the creeps." Harry and Ron looked at each other. And the same thought was going through their heads. The girl had to be more than a succubus. She had to be a dark witch. Harry and Ron finished their shopping and went back to the Leaky Cauldron. They dropped off their packages and were on their way downstairs to dinner when they ran into Draco Malfoy in the hallway. "What are you doing here?" Asked Ron with a frown on his face. "None of your business Weasley," said Draco. "Then get out of the way," said Ron. "We want to go downstairs." Draco gave them a sneer and moved past them. They turned and watched him. "I don't like this," said Harry. "First this girl comes into my dreams and now I see that she's real and she's friends with Draco Malfoy. I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen." Ron nodded his head. "I know. Maybe we can get close to her though and find out what she's up to." "No," said Harry, shaking his head. "After the dreams I had about her, I don't want to get close to her. Besides, she said I had to make a choice and I'm not sure I want to make it." They descended the staircase together and went to find a table. Tom, the inkeeper came and took their orders. They were just digging into their meals when a group of people came down the stairs. Harry saw the tall girl walking with Draco Malfoy. "Don't look at her Harry," said Ron. Harry tried hard to concentrate on his meal but his eyes kept straying back to the girl. One time she happened to look at him at the same time and their eyes met. Harry felt something like a jolt of electricity run through him and his face reddened. He looked away quickly. "I'm not hungry anymore," said Harry. Ron nodded his head. "I'm going back upstairs. Harry walked past the table where the group was sitting. He couldn't but let his eyes stray to the tall girl again. Their eyes met again and Harry felt another uncomfortable jolt of electricity go through him. He scowled at her. He didn't like this. This girl who had been in his dreams and now made him feel uncomfortable. He felt the need to get away from her. He hated to admit it but something about her made him feel scared. As if a part of himself he didn't like was trying to get out. Once upstairs, Harry got ready for bed. He didn't feel like sleeping but the thought of going back downstairs was unthinkable. He lay down on his bed and tried to get comfortable. After about an hour of tossing and turning, his mind finally shut down. Random images came into his head until he started hearing a voice. "Harry." "Go away," said Harry. "Harry it's me." "Go away!" Harry saw the Chamber of Secrets behind his eyelids. Again there was the Mirror of Erised. Yet again there was the tall girl. Harry turned in anger. "Get out of my mind!" He yelled. The girl smiled at him. "I'm not in your mind. Your own thoughts betray you. You want to make the choice." Harry turned to look at the Mirror of Erised. He saw his family. "What choice do I have to make?"