Chapter One

Neighbors or More?

It was a cool, breezy morning on Number 4 Privet Drive. Everyone was sleeping, except for one well known boy. This boy, known as The-Boy-Who-Lived, was otherwise known as Harry Potter.

Harry lay outside, next to Aunt Petunia's garden. He felt rested and calm as the warm breeze gently kissed the surface of his skin. His eyes remained shut as he thought about the first year he was ever at his true home, Hogwarts.

Many wizards just thought of Hogwarts as a regular wizardry school, but not Harry. Hogwarts was where he met his best friends, Ron and Hermione, who helped him through many hardships. He also had Dumbledore, the man who was like a father to him. Many people there cared for Harry, unlike here, at Number 4 Privet Drive. Here it was just somewhere to stay. No one asked him how he felt, or even a "How are you?" He was just like an invisible threat. What threat would that be? That threat is the magical powers he holds.

He hated who he had to live with. He lived with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley, his cousin. Dudley was the spoiled one. Petunia and Vernon gives him whatever he wants. It makes Harry sick. Dudley always gets what he wants for his birthday or any holiday. Today is Harry birthday, and he is getting nothing from his family.

Harry heard a loud thumping sound coming from inside. It must have been his huge, overweight cousin Dudley again. Harry didn't bother to move. It was just another pitiful, ordinary day. None of his family members cared about his birthday. Harry was sixteen today, and that didn't matter.

Harry heard foot steps approach him, as soon as the front door opened. Dudley walked up to him and stared down at him with out a care in the world.

"Where's Daddy?" Dudley asked his tone a little harsh.

"I don't know. I haven't seen him yet. Why?" Harry asked, although he really didn't care.

"Not that it's any of your business," He sneered, "but I wanted to know if I am allowed to go to a friend's house!"

"Give it up, Dudley" Harry said very truthfully, "I know where you've been going and what you've been doing." Harry said. Dudley started to rock back and forth nervously.

"That's impossible! You don't know ANYTHING!" He said, walking back into the house before Harry can answer. Harry just rolled his eyes, and went back to relaxing in peace.

It was true, though, that Harry knew what Dudley REALLY does. Dudley was part of a gang. He picks on people and smokes. Harry knew this since all of last year. No one else knew, but him. Vernon was mostly likely going to let Dudley go to his so called 'friend's house'.

Suddenly, a loud bang erupted from inside. Harry jumped up and ran in. As he walked into the living room, he was shocked. The couch was split in two. The wooden base was all wrecked and the fabric torn. Harry looked down and saw Dudley, having trouble getting all his body up from the floor. That all ended when Vernon and Petunia came running down the stairs in their robes.

"MY DUDLEY!" Petunia cried, running up to him and grasping him as much as her arms could. Dudley was crying and shaking with fear. Vernon looked straight at Harry, who had his wand in his hand. Harry tried to look as innocent as he possibly could, but that was nearly impossible when you are standing right in front of Uncle Vernon with a wand.

"ONCE AGAIN," He started very harshly, "YOU'VE RUINED ANOTHER ONE OF MY DAYS AND HAVE GOTTEN ON MY LAST NERVE!" He continued, yelling at the top of his lungs.

"I didn't do it! I swear! I came running in when—well, Dudley sort of made the couch collapse with his unbearable weight! "

"I know that's a lie!" Vernon said. Harry just glared. Vernon ran up to him and grabbed his collar. He lifted him up, but Harry stuck his wand in his face. Vernon put him down slowly.

"You can't do magic out of school!"

"Yes, that's the rule, but I am known for braking rules IF I have to." Harry said, very matter of factly. Vernon sent an angry glare into Harry's eyes and just backed off. Harry smiled a smile of triumph, and ran upstairs. Just as he was about to walk into his room, he heard the doorbell ring.

"HARRY, GO GET THAT!" Petunia yelled. Harry ran back downstairs and opened the door. There stood two happy people with warm smiles.

"Hey, we are the Draecliffe's!" said the man. He was very tall and had brown hair and blue eyes. His voice was very friendly.

"Hi, are you here to see my uncle?" Harry asked. The girl around Harry's age standing next to the man shook her head.

"We are here to see all of you!" She said. Her green eyes sparkled as her light brown hair shined. Harry thought she was beautiful.

"Who's at the door, boy?" asked Aunt Petunia.

"The Draecliffes!" Harry replied. Petunia came running.

"Hello. Who are you?" Petunia asked, looking as if fear was written all over her face. She tried to hide it though. Harry thought she knew something about these people.

"I'm Jack and this is Lila!" said the man, very happily, "We were wondering if you would like to eat a nice breakfast at our house?"

"Oh, why no thank you." said Petunia quickly.

"I would!" said Harry, his chance to get away for a morning.

"No, sweetheart," said Petunia, trying to act as if she cared for him, "you shall eat breakfast here like you would, normally."

"Oh, you mean, while I get scolded for something I didn't do. Or like how my food gets eaten by that cow of a son you have. Or—" Petunia put her hand over Harry's mouth and stroked his hair.

"He's only kidding!" Petunia said quickly. Harry shook his head since his mouth was still covered. Lila and Jack just stood there, very confused. Suddenly, Lila whispered something in Jack's ear and his eyes widened and he nodded.

"We just want to spend the morning with him. I will bring him back as soon as we are done!" said Jack. Petunia sighed.

"Alright, take him! Harry, you better behave!" Petunia said, walking away furious. Harry smiled and walked out the door.

"So, you're Harry Potter?" asked Jack. Harry was shocked by the question.

"Yes—" he said. Lila smiled.

"It's okay, Harry, I'm a witch and my dad is a wizard!" Lila stated. Harry felt relieved. "So, can I….er…see the scar?"

"Yes," He said and lifted is hair off of his forehead. The scar was a little faded, but still very noticeable. Lila was amazed by its shape.

"Come on Lila and James!" Jack said. Harry just paused.

"Er….you called me James. How did you know my father's name?" asked Harry, beginning to feel a little nervous.

"Harry, I'm sorry. I really can't explain right now. I'll tell you later."

"I want to know by breakfast!" Harry said. Jack nodded.

Finally, when they went in Jack and Lila's house, Harry saw a very familiar looking woman in a photo hanging on the wall.

"Who is that?" Harry asked. Lila sighed.

"That's my mum. She died about fifteen years ago. I really don't know how, though. I never really asked,"

"She looks almost like my mum, except a bit shorter and her hair is a bit lighter." Harry said.

"Oh," was all Lila could say.

"BREAKFAST IS READY!" Jack yelled. Lila grabbed Harry's arm, causing him to blush. There on the table were pancakes, bacon, eggs, and toast. Harry was very grateful. Harry sat down next to Lila and started to eat. It was scrumptious.

"So Harry, you live with your aunt, uncle and fat cousin?" Lila asked. Harry let out a snort and Jack glared at his daughter.

"LILA!" He yelled.

"Jack, it's okay. I don't mind. Yes, Lila, I live with my aunt, uncle and cousin. If it were up to me, I would live anywhere else!" Harry said truthfully. Lila just nodded. There was a long pause of silence.

"So, Harry, do you like it here?" Jack asked, trying to make conversation.

"It's wonderful!" Harry said. Jack smiled.

"I think Rosemary would have liked this place too!" Jack said. Harry looked puzzled.

"Who's Rosemary?" Harry asked. Lila gulped and Jack stiffened.

"She was my wife. She was killed by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. So was her sister." Jack said, his voice sounding shakey. Harry looked him in the eyes. He was hiding something.

"Who was her sister?" Harry asked.

"Harry, Rosemary's sister...er,...well,was your mother, Lily. I'm your uncle."

From there, Harry sat at the table, shock overwhelming him.