It was a very cold night on October 31st. Privet Drive was silent.

A man appeared on the corner of the street, almost popping out of thin air. He was a very tall man. He had purple robes and had a long beard that came done past his belt. His hair was also quite long and almost pure white. If Petunia Dursley had seen him she would have passed out at the sight of him. She had

Albus Dumbledore looked quite pleased with himself. He looked down at the other end of the street, his eyes catching on a very prim looking tabby cat. He let out a chuckle that made the bells on his beard tinkle. He was an old man maybe the oldest man the street had ever seen. He walked down slowly the dimly lit street. When he finally came to a stop outside of number four he looked at the cat with a bemused little smile. "Fancy seeing you here, Professor McGonagall."

The tabby leapt from the wall. Instead he was smiling at a rather severe-looking woman who was wearing square glasses exactly the shape of the markings the cat had had around its eyes. She, too, was wearing a cloak, an emerald one. Her black hair was drawn into a tight bun. She looked distinctly ruffled.

"How did you know it was me?" she asked.

"My dear Professor, I've never seen a cat sit so stiffly."

"You'd be stiff if you'd been sitting on a brick wall all day," said Professor McGonagall.

"All day? When you could have been celebrating? I must have passed a dozen feasts and parties on my way here."

Professor McGonagall sniffed angrily.

"Oh yes, I've celebrating, all right," she said impatiently. "You'd think they'd be a bit more careful, but no - even the Muggles have noticed something's going on. It was on their news."

She jerked her head back at the Dursleys' dark living-room window. "I heard it. Flocks of owls... shooting stars... Well, they're not completely stupid. They were bound to notice something. Shooting stars down in Kent - I'll bet that was Dedalus Diggle. He never had much sense."

"You can't blame them," said Dumbledore gently. "We've had precious little to celebrate for eleven years."

"I know that," said Professor McGonagall irritably. "But that's no reason to lose our heads. People are being downright careless, out on the streets in broad daylight, not even dressed in Muggle clothes, swapping rumors."

She threw a sharp, sideways glance at Dumbledore here, as though hoping he was going to tell her something, but he didn't, so she went on. "A fine thing it would be if, on the very day You-Know-Who seems to have disappeared at last, the Muggles found out about us all. I suppose he really has gone, Dumbledore?"

"It certainly seems so," said Dumbledore. "We have much to be thankful for. Would you care for a lemon drop?"

"A what?"

"A lemon drop. They're a kind of Muggle sweet I'm rather fond of."

"No, thank you," said Professor McGonagall coldly, as though she didn't think this was the moment for lemon drops. "As I say, even if You-Know-Who has gone-"

"My dear Professor, surely a sensible person like yourself can call him by his name? All this 'You-Know-Who' nonsense - for eleven years I have been trying to persuade people to call him by his proper name: Voldemort." Professor McGonagall flinched, but Dumbledore, who was unsticking two lemon drops, seemed not to notice. "It all gets so confusing if we keep saying 'You-Know-Who.' I have never seen any reason to be frightened of saying Voldemort's name."

"I know you haven't, said Professor McGonagall, sounding half exasperated, half admiring. "But you're different. Everyone knows you're the only one You-Know- oh, all right, Voldemort, was frightened of."

"You flatter me," said Dumbledore calmly. "Voldemort had powers I will never have."

"Only because you're too - well - noble to use them."

"It's lucky it's dark. I haven't blushed so much since Madam Pomfrey told me she liked my new earmuffs."

Professor McGonagall shot a sharp look at Dumbledore and said "The owls are nothing next to the rumors that are flying around. You know what they're saying? About why he's disappeared? About what finally stopped him?"

It seemed that Professor McGonagall had reached the point she was most anxious to discuss, the real reason she had been waiting on a cold, hard wall all day, for neither as a cat nor as a woman had she fixed Dumbledore with such a piercing stare as she did now. It was plain that whatever "everyone" was saying, she was not going to believe it until Dumbledore told her it was true. Dumbledore, however, was choosing another lemon drop and did not answer.

"What they're saying," she pressed on, "is that last night Voldemort turned up in Godric's Hollow. He went to find the Potters. The rumor is that Lily and James Potter are - are - that they're - dead."

In that moment Albus shook his head. McGonagall frowned. "I've heard them say it again and again. What really happened?"

Dumbledore reached out and patted her on the shoulder. "Lily and James had been over at Sirius Black's flat when Voldemort came. It seems that their friend Peter Pettigrew died while watching the boys."

"It's - it's true ?" faltered Professor McGonagall. "After all he's done... all the people he's killed... he couldn't kill two little boys? It's just astounding... of all the things to stop him... but how in the name of heaven did Jimmy survive?"

"We can only guess," said Dumbledore. "We may never know."

"And what of the other boy?" said Professor McGonagall. "Why are you here if the Potter's survived?"

"I've come to bring Harry to his aunt and uncle. I have convinced Lily and James that for Harry's own safety he should be away from the family, just until Hogwarts." Albus explained.

"You don't mean - you can't mean the people who live here?" cried Professor McGonagall, jumping to her feet and pointing at number four. "Dumbledore - you can't. I've been watching them all day. You couldn't find two people who are less like us. Harry should be with his own family Albus, the poor boy won't survive if he's left here!"

"It's the best place for him," said Dumbledore firmly. "His aunt and uncle will be able to explain everything to him when he's older. I've written them a letter."

"A letter?" repeated Professor McGonagall faintly, sitting back down on the wall. "Really, Dumbledore, you think you can explain all this in a letter? These people will never understand him! I don't know if its even safe for a boy like us to live here!"

"It must be done." said Dumbledore, looking very seriously over the top of his half-moon glasses. "I believe that the Dark Lord is not truly gone. I have asked to begin lessons with Jimmy the second he shows any sign of accidental magic."

Professor McGonagall opened her mouth, changed her mind, swallowed, and then said, "Yes - yes, you're right, of course. But what of Harry, Dumbledore?" She eyed him with suspicion.

"He will be safe within these walls. Lily has cast blood magic so that he would be hidden from any who wished harm unto him." Albus looked down at his wrist watch, "Hagrid should be bringing him."

"You think it - wise - to trust Hagrid with something as important as this?" McGonagall asked.

"I would trust Hagrid with my life," said Dumbledore.

"I'm not saying his heart isn't in the right place," said Professor McGonagall grudgingly, "but you can't pretend he's not careless. He does tend to - what was that?"

A low rumbling sound had broken the silence around them. It grew steadily louder as they looked up and down the street for some sign of a headlight; it swelled to a roar as they both looked up at the sky - and a huge motorcycle fell out of the air and landed on the road in front of them.

If the motorcycle was huge, it was nothing to the man sitting astride it. He was almost twice as tall as a normal man and at least five times as wide. He looked simply too big to be allowed, and so wild - long tangles of bushy black hair and beard hid most of his face, he had hands the size of trash can lids, and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins. In his vast, muscular arms he was holding a bundle of blankets.

"Hagrid," said Dumbledore, sounding relieved. "At last. And where did you get that motorcycle?"

"Borrowed it, Professor Dumbledore, sir," said the giant, climbing carefully off the motorcycle as he spoke. "Young Sirius Black lent it to me. I've got him, sir."

"No problems, were there?"

"No, sir, James and Lily just wanted to say good bye. They were heartbroken sir. He fell asleep as we was flyin' over Bristol."

Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall bent forward over the bundle of blankets. Inside, just visible, was a baby boy, fast asleep. He had dark hair and very pale skin

"Will he really be safe here?" whispered Professor McGonagall.

"Yes," said Dumbledore. "He'll be much safer here than he ever would be with Lily and James. And besides, He would grow jealous of Jimmy. I believe that he will be modest and kind here. He won't make a fuss."

Dumbledore took Harry in his arms and turned toward the Dursleys' house.

"Could I - could I say good-bye to him, sir?" asked Hagrid. He bent his great, shaggy head over Harry and gave him what must have been a very scratchy, whiskery kiss. Then, suddenly, Hagrid let out a howl like a wounded dog.

"Shhh!" hissed Professor McGonagall, "You'll wake the Muggles!"

"S-s-sorry," sobbed Hagrid, taking out a large, spotted handkerchief and burying his face in it. "But I c-c-can't stand it -poor little Harry off ter live with Muggles-"

"Yes, yes, it's all very sad, but get a grip on yourself, Hagrid, or we'll be found," Professor McGonagall whispered, patting Hagrid gingerly on the arm as Dumbledore stepped over the low garden wall and walked to the front door. He laid Harry gently on the doorstep, took a letter out of his cloak, tucked it inside Harry's blankets, and then came back to the other two. For a full minute the three of them stood and looked at the little bundle; Hagrid's shoulders shook, Professor McGonagall blinked furiously, and the twinkling light that usually shone from Dumbledore's eyes seemed to have gone out.

"Well," said Dumbledore finally, "that's that. We've no business staying here. We may as well go and join the celebrations."

"Yeah," said Hagrid in a very muffled voice, "I'll be takin' Sirius his bike back. G'night, Professor McGonagall - Professor Dumbledore, sir."

Wiping his streaming eyes on his jacket sleeve, Hagrid swung himself onto the motorcycle and kicked the engine into life; with a roar it rose into the air and off into the night. And with that he zoomed into the sky. Both McGonagall and Dumbledore looked at the sky as the Motorcycle rocketed away.

"I shall see you soon, I expect, Professor McGonagall," said Dumbledore, nodding to her. Professor McGonagall blew her nose in reply.

Dumbledore turned and walked back down the street. He knew that this existence may not be pleasant for the boy but he had a duty. A duty to all of those souls he looked after in the large world and Harry Potter may have to suffer because of this. He took no joy in the boy's pain but sometimes things must be done for the greater good.

"Good luck, Harry," he murmured. He turned on his heel and with a swish of his cloak, he was gone.

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Harry Potter lived an interesting existence.

Nearly ten years had passed since the Dursleys had woken up to find their nephew on the front step, but Privet Drive had hardly changed at all. Petunia had gotten meaner, Dudley had gotten bigger and Vernon had gotten fatter.

Yet Harry Potter was still there, asleep at the moment, but not for long. His Aunt Petunia was awake and it was her shrill voice that made the first noise of the day.

"Up! Get up! Now! Freak!"

Harry woke with a start. His aunt rapped on the door again.

"Up!" she screeched. Harry heard her walking toward the kitchen and then the sound of the frying pan being put on the stove. He rolled onto his back and tried to remember the dream he had been having. It had been a good one. He had been trying to remember what had happened but he couldn't quite see it.

His aunt was back outside the door.

"Are you up yet?" she demanded.

"Nearly," said Harry.

"Well, get a move on, I want you to look after the bacon. And don't you dare let it burn, I want everything perfect on Duddy's birthday."

Harry groaned.

"What did you say?" his aunt snapped through the door.

"Nothing, nothing..." He knew that if he had said anything he would have been smacked, or worse Vernon would come. He walked slowly into the kitchen making sure he didn't do anything wrong. When Uncle Vernon heard him complain in any way, he always got the belt out. He told Harry that he didn't think any good children would be complaining about how easy a life he'd been given.

Uncle Vernon entered the kitchen as Harry was turning over the bacon. He looked like a balloon that was ready to pop. Harry tried to meekly stay out of his way but Vernon still bumped into him. Grease hit his hands and he tried to make his scream into a whimper.

"Comb your hair!" he barked, by way of a morning greeting. Bumping into Harry as he walked past. Harry knew that Vernon was in a good mood today. He hadn't even hit Harry yet. It was a good sign

About once a week, Vernon would attack Harry for whatever reason he felt like on that day. He didn't really care but he had known that questioning it wasn't a good idea.

Harry was frying eggs by the time Dudley arrived in the kitchen with his mother. Dudley was just as bad as his father. He took great pleasure in trying to hurt Harry. Aunt Petunia often said that Dudley was just exercising but Harry didn't really share that sentiment.

Harry put the plates of egg and bacon on the table, which was difficult as there wasn't much room. He then tried not to cry as Vernon spilled piping hot coffee onto his arm. He let out a little whine as Dudley complained about his presents. Vernon gave him a dangerous look that Harry knew wasn't a good sign.

"Thirty-six," he said, looking up at his mother and father. "That's two less than last year."

"Darling, you haven't counted Auntie Marge's present, see, it's here under this big one from Mummy and Daddy."

"All right, thirty-seven then," said Dudley, going red in the face. Harry wanted to punch that stupid face so badly but knew that would end very badly for him. Harry watched as his aunt and uncle did their best to calm the fat slob down. Harry looked at his own plate with just eggs and the smallest piece of bacon on it. He grinded his teeth on it.

At that moment the telephone rang and Aunt Petunia went to answer it while Harry got multiple gifts thrown at him by Dudley while Vernon continued to laugh. When Aunt Petunia came back from the telephone looking both angry and worried.

"Bad news, Vernon," she said. "Mrs. Figg's broken her leg. She can't take him." She jerked her head in Harry's direction.

Harry was finally delegated to be put in the trunk of Vernon's new car.

Harry tried to get out of it. Telling them he'd be good, asking for him to just be left in his cupboard but it was to no end. He couldn't persuade his Uncle to stop it. He dragged Harry out by his colar and threw him into the trunk. As they loaded him in he tried not to cry. It was already so hot within the care but he didn't want to say anything that would upset Uncle Vernon any further.

Vernon tossed him a water bottle with a nasty grin. "Now don't make any noise boy. We'll be back in a couple hours."

With that he slammed the trunk shut and left. Harry was in complete darkness and the air was already quite stuffy. He had tried to control his breathing so that he didn't panic. He could feel the heat rising and he was in a lot of distress.

It's just a car, it's just a car, It's just a car….

He tried to think of other things but continued to feel his temperature rising. Before long he knew that he had to get out. It had only been an hour and the water was gone and he felt like he couldn't breath. He closed his eyes and then he felt better. When he opened his eyes he seemed to be on the top of the car. He looked around and tried to see who let him out.

He was shocked to find that no one was there. He began to feel that sinking feeling. If the Dursely's saw that he had somehow escaped he would be in for a beating. As he waited for them to return he felt sicker and sicker.

As Vernon approached he saw Harry and had a look of horror. Petunia let out a little shriek and Dudley started to cry talking about how he ruined his birthday. Harry sat up and tried not to make any noise; Vernon was in shock. Harry tried to explain but he got a slap.

"But the trunk," he kept saying, "How did you get out?"

As they made their way home Harry knew that he was in for it. The care was silent. Even Dudley and his friend didn't make any noise. Vernon seemed to be a shade of purple Harry had only seen as the colour for Petunia's dress.
Uncle Vernon waited until Piers was safely out of the house before starting on Harry. He was so angry he could hardly speak. He grabbed harry by his shoulder and threw him against the stove. He turned on the gas and Harry watched in horror as the flames lit and Vernon took a hold of his arm. He had a wild look in his eye.

"Remember the next time you do something freaky, that this will happen..." Vernon said in a very low voice. That was seconds before he plunged Harry's arm into the flame. Harry let out a high pitched shriek. The pain was white hot and he was cry for his uncle to stop it he held his arm there for at least thirty seconds but it felt like a lot longer. He let him off and then sat.

"Go to the cupboard, you wont come out till the summer is over." Vernon said lazily. Harry gripped his burnt arm as he walked out of the room.

Harry lay in his dark cupboard much later, arm still stinging. Harry had cried into his pillow for as long as he had tears. He finally felt himself calming down to the degree that he didn't have to shove his face into a pillow in fear that he would sob to loudly. He didn't know how much time had passed but he was unsure of what really was happening. He waited trying not to breath, listening.

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After he had escaped from the car Harry had his longest-ever punishment. By the time he was allowed out of his cupboard again, the summer holiday had already begun. Harry had missed all of school because of it. He had been told that he had a flu that didn't go away. He had been told by Aunt Petunia that he would be in a remedial class at his new school Stonewall Academy as to catch him up because he was such a slow learner. Vernon had called him 'one of those mentals'.

Harry had to work hard not to react to that. He wanted to yell at him for making him feel like an idiot. He wanted to say that it wasn't his fault because he was supposed to go to school but they kept him locked in a closet. Harry wanted to throttle his Uncle sometimes. Then he would remember exactly what would happen if he did. Harry did enjoy life enough to know going after Vernon was suicide.

This was why Harry spent as much time as possible out of the house, wandering around and thinking about the end of the holidays, where he could see a tiny ray of hope. When September came he would be going off to secondary school and, for the first time in his life, he wouldn't be with Dudley. Dudley had been accepted at Uncle Vernon's old private school, Smeltings.

Dudley had taken to shoving Harry's head in the toilet and holding him their for as long as he could. Harry would feel his lungs constricting and would try his best to flee. Petunia never really looked at Harry anymore. Whenever their eyes met she would sneer.

Vernon continued to force more and more chores upon Harry with less and less food for him to eat. He was beginning to lose weight again which Harry knew wasn't a good sign as he was already quite small.
There was a horrible smell in the kitchen the next morning when Harry went in for breakfast. It seemed to be coming from a large metal tub in the sink. He went to have a look. The tub was full of what looked like dirty rags swimming in gray water.

"What's this?" he asked Aunt Petunia. Her lips tightened as they always did if he dared to ask a question. If looks could kill Harry would be on the floor convulsing.

"Your new school uniform," she said.

Harry looked in the bowl again.

"Oh," he said, "I didn't realize it had to be so wet."

"Don't be stupid," snapped Aunt Petunia, slapping the back of his head. Hard. "I'm dyeing some of Dudley's old things gray for you. It'll look just like everyone else's when I've finished."

Harry seriously doubted this, but thought it best not to argue. He knew that if he said anything more Uncle Vernon would take the belt to him. It didn't matter that today was Harry's birthday.

Dudley and Uncle Vernon came in, looking quite displeased with the smell. Dudley then smacked Harry's bum with his smelting's stick. Harry said nothing and brought over Vernon's coffee and Dudley's breakfast. They heard the click of the mail slot and flop of letters on the doormat.

"Get the mail, Dudley," said Uncle Vernon from behind his paper. Dudley looked outraged that the very idea of him getting the paper could ever happen. He poked his father. "Make Harry get it."

"Get the mail, Harry." Vernon said absently. When Harry didn't move Vernon slammed down his paper and grabbed the stick before pelting Harry's shoulder. He yelped but got up. He walked out gulping. As he pulled up the sleeve of his over sized shirt he could see that he was going to have a very large bruise on his arm. He slowly walked toward the bills that had pilled on the door step as he reached down he was surprised to hear a knock on the door. Harry opened the door.

A tall man was standing in the doorway. He had sandy blonde hair and a dirty suit on. He smiled down at Harry and addressed him.

"Hello there, Harry… Can you introduce me to your Aunt and Uncle? My name is Remus and I'm here to offer you a tremendous opportunity." He said kindly, shaking Harry's hand. Harry was dumbfounded but quickly nodded.
The man bent down and ducked through the doorway, He followed Harry. As they walked into the kitchen the Dursley's stopped speaking. Petunia dropped her cup and covered her mouth. Remus smiled.

"It's good to see you again Petunia, could I trouble you for a cup of tea?" Remus asked.

He strode over to the table and sat down. Vernon sat frozen with fear. Petunia came over and unsteadily put the tea cup down.

"Pass the sugar, please," said the stranger.

Dudley squeaked and ran to hide behind his mother, who was crouching, terrified, behind Uncle Vernon. Vernon didn't seem to be doing much better. His eyes seemed to bulge as the man pulled out a stick and put it beside him on the table. Harry was smiling at this. This man must be very powerful, maybe he was Uncle Vernon's boss? It didn't explain the shabby suit and his stick. Petunia rushed into the kitchen and quickly made him a cup of tea. As she rushed to get it to him she breathed hard. She looked a lot like a track star, Harry thought.

"Lovely tea, Petunia." said the man with another smile. He looked over at Harry with a grin. Harry looked up into the man's face. He had light blue eyes that seemed kind.

"I haven't seen you since you were very young," said the man. "You have James's unruly hair but other than that you look like Lily, those eyes… Just the same."

Uncle Vernon made a funny rasping noise. He seemed to regain himself and slammed down his fist. He looked like a walrus flailing around.

"I demand that you leave at once, sir!" he said. "You are breaking and entering!"

"Ah, Vernon don't worry Harry let me in," said the man. He suddenly picked up the stick again and Uncle Vernon made another funny noise, like a mouse being trodden on. Harry let out a small giggle and Petunia shot him a sharp glare but the man smirked at his reaction.

"Anyway - Harry," said the man, turning towards Harry, "I want to wish you a happy birthday."

Harry looked up at the man. His emotions went into a tailspin and he was trying to say something when he spit out, "I'm sorry? Who are you?"

The man chuckled. "My name is Professor Remus J. Lupin of history of Magic at Hogwarts."

He shook Harry's hand again. Harry was still very confused at what that meant. But he nodded

"You wouldn't mind if I made myself a little something?" he said, looking over at the hidden form of Petunia. "I am quite hungry and your kitchen looks quite bare."

He stood up and began making his way into the kitchen. There was a lot of rousingly and noise and Harry was sure that he heard animal noises as well but did not dare stand up to take a look for himself as both his aunt and uncle were giving him vicious glares. Harry had no idea why as he hadn't invited the man to the house. He had always been told to respect his elders yet the Dursleys were mad that he had let the man in.

The man sat back down at the table, hands filled with plates, he had a hold of. He had made himself a full breakfast in under five minutes which should have been impossible yet here he stood with friend bacon, eggs, toast, tea, sausages, cereal, and some kind of meat

He passed a full plate to Harry, who was so hungry he had never tasted anything so wonderful, but he still couldn't take his eyes off the man. Finally, as nobody seemed about to explain anything, he said, "I'm sorry, but I still don't really know who you are."

"Call me Remus," he said, "I work at Hogwarts and am going to be your teacher this year. Of course, you know about Hogwarts."

"Er - no," said Harry.

Remus looked shocked.

"Sorry," Harry said quickly.

"You don't need to be sorry Harry," Remus said quickly, turning to stare at the Dursleys, who shrank back into the shadows. "It's them as should be sorry! Have you not told him about his need for schooling at all? Didn't you think he needed to know where his mother and father learned it all?!"

"All what?" asked Harry.

"ALL WHAT?" Remus thundered glaring at Vernon. Remus seemed to be gripping his little stick quite firmly, Harry thought. " Did you not tell him anything at all?"

He had leapt to his feet. In his anger he seemed to dim the lights of the room. Harry thought it was just his mind but he truly thought that it had to be Remus. The Dursleys were trembling at the other end of the table.

"How could you not tell him anything," he growled at the Dursleys, "How did you even speak these lies? He knows nothing."

Harry thought this was going a bit far. He had been to school, after all, and his marks weren't bad. He was actually a very good reader. He felt offended by the accusation. While this Hogwarts was a mystery to him he was actually quite smart. No matter how many times Petunia kept him home from school.

"I know some things," he said. "I was the best reader in my class last year."

Remus then turned and said, "No Harry I am sure you are quite smart, what I am speaking of is… About our world, I mean. Your world. My world. Your parents' world."

"What world?"

Remus seemed to be on the verge of hitting Vernon. He glared at the man with darkness in his eyes. Harry had never seen his Uncle look so small, he seemed to shrink with ever passing minute.

"Dursley you mean to tell me that this boy has no idea what his parents are?'

Uncle Vernon, who had gone very pale, whispered something that sounded quite pathetic and strangled. He looked as if he were going to pass out. Remus turned wildly to look at Harry and stared at Harry.

"But you have to know about your mom and dad, and of course about your brother," he said. "I mean, they're famous."

"What? My - my mom and dad weren't famous, were they?"

"You have no idea at all… I thought at least he would tell you the basics of it. Make sure that you knew what you were…" Remus was muttering to himself as he grasped the sides of his head, fixing Harry with a bewildered stare.

"You don't know what you are?" he said finally.

Uncle Vernon suddenly found his voice. He went from white to red in a matter of seconds. He grasped Harry and pulled him over towards him.

"Stop!" he commanded. "Stop right there, sir! I forbid you to tell the boy anything!"

Remus Lupin seemed to be working very hard to keep his rage under control. He looked at Vernon with such hatred Harry could see that Vernon was losing his grip

"You never told him? I can't believe that you would sink this low Petunia. He doesn't know about our world and his parents and brother's?"

"Kept what from me?" said Harry eagerly. He wondered if his brother was still alive. Maybe he could go and live with him. Maybe this Remus raised him. He began to think of a world were he and his brother would live together far away from the Durselys.

"STOP! I FORBID YOU!" yelled Uncle Vernon in panic. Aunt Petunia gave a gasp of horror. They both exchanged horrified looks at the man speaking.

"No Vernon you will not keep him from this. Lily and James would never have wanted this. You don't get to keep him in the dark any longer," said Remus. "Harry you're a wizard."

There was silence inside the house. Only the chirping of birds and the neighbors lawnmower could be heard in the dining room.

"I'm a what?" gasped Harry.

"A wizard, Harry," said Remus, siting back in his chair with a grin on his face, he crossed his arms as Vernon and Petunia were speechless. "You'll be quite strong. Your parents are very powerful wizards as well."

Harry stretched out his hand at last to take the yellowish envelope, addressed in emerald green to Mr. H. Potter, The cupboard under the stairs, Number Four Privet Drive. He pulled out the letter and read:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

Questions exploded inside Harry's head like fireworks and he couldn't decide which to ask first. After a few minutes he stammered, "What does it mean, this is a school?"

"Yes, it's where I work," said Remus. He then pulled out his stick and muttered something over top of his now dirty dishes. Something shot out of his stick and cleaned his plate. Harry gasped as did Dudley who had been uncharacteristically quiet. Vernon seemed to have yet another mild heart attack and Petunia turned away as if id didn't happen since she didn't see it.
He then began to levitate the plates into the kitchen. Harry could not believe that this was happening. Harry realized his mouth was open and closed it quickly.

"Where was I?" said Remus, but at that moment, Uncle Vernon, still red-faced but looking very angry, stood up.

"He's not going," he said.

Remus sighed.

"That's not your decision Muggle." he said.

"A what?" said Harry, interested.

"A Muggle," said Remus "it's what we call nonmagical folk like them. Not all muggles are like this of course Harry. I assumed that Petunia would have grown up a bit but she seems to be She is still a petulant child."

"We swore when we took him in we'd put a stop to that rubbish," said Uncle Vernon, "swore we'd stamp it out of him! Wizard indeed!"

"You knew?" said Harry. "You knew I'm a - a wizard?"

"Knew!" shrieked Aunt Petunia suddenly. She looked at him with her signature sneer. "Knew! Of course, we knew! How could you not be, my dratted sister being what she was? Oh, she got a letter just like that and disappeared off to that - that school - and came home every vacation with her pockets full of frog spawn, turning teacups into rats. I was the only one who saw her for what she was - a freak! But for my mother and father, oh no, it was Lily this and Lily that, they were proud of having a witch in the family!"

She stopped to draw a deep breath and then went ranting on. It seemed she had been wanting to say all this for years.

"Then she met that Potter at school and they left and got married and had you, and of course I knew you'd be just the same, just as strange, just as - as - abnormal - and then, if you please, she went into trouble with some baron of evil and- and we got landed with you!"

Harry had gone very white. As soon as he found his voice he said, "Wait my parents are alive? You told me they died in a car crash!"

"CAR CRASH!" roared Remus, jumping up so angrily that the Dursleys scuttled back to their side of the table. "YOU TOLD HIM HIS PARENTS WERE DEAD! THAT THEY HAD DIED! HARRY GREW UP THINKING THAT HIS FAMILY WAS DEAD?!"

"But why? Where are my parents if they're not dead?" Harry asked urgently.

The anger faded from Remus's face. He looked suddenly anxious. He looked over at Harry.

"I never expected this," he said, in a low, worried voice. "I had no idea, when Dumbledore told me to come. I had assumed that Harry would have known. Your mother and father. Oh god, Lily and James. If they knew that you thought they were dead."

He threw a dirty look at the Dursleys, but then he seemed to fill with sadness.

"Well, Harry, your parents loved you so very much you must know that to start. They love you so much. Jimmy your twin brother and your little sister Rose too. They wish they could be with you..."

He sat down, stared into the fire for a few seconds, and then said, "It begins, I suppose, with - with a person called by the name of—Well I shouldn't be speaking his name so casually."

"Who?"

"Well – In the wizarding world we don't speak his name."

"Why not?"

"The man was very dangerous. He killed a lot of people. Including your grandparents. TO this day he is still feared by many within the wizarding world..."

Harry gulped, but no words came out. This man sounded quite dangerous. He didn't think that magic would be so bad.

"His name is Lord Voldemort." Remus had a dark expression. "No about twenty years ago he began recruiting other wizards to follow him as they began to fight a war against the ministry, that is our form of government. He brought these people over to the dark side and they tried to seize control. What you must understand Harry is that there are those within the wizarding world who practice something known as dark magic.

"Now, Your mother and father fought against the dark lord. They alongside the headmaster of the Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore tried to stop him. They believed in freedom for all. That was when You know who came after them. He wanted to send a message to your parents by trying- trying to hurt you and your brother."

Harry watched as Remus wiped his eyes.

"Sorry," he said. "But it's that sad, a good friend of ours named Peter the night of Halloween… You-Know-Who killed him. He was protecting you. He had been through a lot. Voldemort then tried to kill your brother Jimmy. When it hit him, the curse rebounded."

"Load of old tosh," said Uncle Vernon. Harry jumped; he had almost forgotten that the Dursleys were there. Uncle Vernon certainly seemed to have got back his courage. He was glaring at Remus and his fists were clenched.

"Now, you listen here, boy," he snarled, "I accept there's something strange about you, probably nothing a good beating wouldn't cure, WHICH YOU WILL RECIEVE - and as for all this about your parents, well, they were weirdoes, no denying it, and the world's better off without them in my opinion - asked for all they got, getting mixed up with these wizarding types - just what I expected, always knew they'd get what was coming to them-"

Remus looked at Vernon with a fire in his eyes and pulled out his magic stick once more, he said, "I'm warning you, Dursley - I'm warning you - one more word..."

Vernon proved himself a coward again as he dove back towards his chair knocking his wife out of the way. Petunia was trampled by her husband and let out a shriek of pain.

"Thank you," said Remus, smirking at the cowering man who seemed to squeak with ever wave of the wand, Harry turned to look at Dudley who was cowering in the corner.

Harry, meanwhile, still had questions to ask, hundreds of them. "But what happened to Vol-, sorry - I mean, You-Know-Who?"

"Good question, Harry. If we were at Hogwarts that would be ten points to Gryffindor. You know who was a very powerful wizard who was able to manipulate many types of magic. Most wizards chose to believe that he is gone but there are a few of us who think that he may have survived."

"Mr. Lupin," he said quietly, "I think you must have made a mistake. I don't think I can be a wizard."

To his surprise, Remus gave him a warm smile. He looked over at the Dursleys and then back at him. He seemed that he was quite burdened by their presence Petunia was still not making any kind of eye contact with Harry.

"Have you ever made things happen when you were scared or angry?"

Harry looked into the man's eyes. Now he came to think about it... every odd thing that had ever made his aunt and uncle furious with him had happened when he, Harry, had been upset or angry... chased by Dudley's gang, he had somehow found himself out of their reach... dreading going to school with that ridiculous haircut, he'd managed to make it grow back... and the very last time Dudley had hit him, he had transported to the rough of the school? And the time he had been in the trunk of the care and then he hadn't been. That seemed like magic.

Harry gave him a small smile and nodded. Remus smiled back and patted the young boy's shoulder. He glared at the Dursely's once more.

"See?" said Remus. "Harry Potter, you don't have to worry about that kind of thing one bit."

But Uncle Vernon wasn't going to give in without a fight.

"Haven't I told you he's not going?" he hissed. "He's going to Stonewall High and he'll be grateful for it. I've read those letters you've been sending us and he needs all sorts of rubbish - spell books and wands and-"

"Have you been hiding letters from me?" Harry was outraged. He wanted to go to Hogwarts. He wanted to be special. Why couldn't the Dursleys for once be nice to him. Why did they always have to make him suffer?

"If he wants to go to Hogwarts then he will go to Hogwarts," growled Remus. "Lily and James wouldn't have it any other way. He will be going to one of the greatest wizarding school in the world, and he'll be under the greatest headmaster Hogwarts ever had Albus Dumbled-"

"I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" yelled Uncle Vernon.

"Albus Dumbledore saved both my life and the lives of countless others. He gave me a job when I was unemployable." Remus said very quietly. It seemed that Vernon had hit a very important part of Remus's life. "You don't understand how insulting your being right now so I won't kill you,"

The silence was palpable and Harry felt that there was really nothing left to say. He looked at Remus who smiled back at him.

He then offered his arm to Harry. He gave him a small smile, "Take my arm Harry."

Harry wasn't sure about him but he knew that whatever he was doing was better than staying with the Dursleys. He quickly nodded and took hold of the man's arm. With a pop they vanished from the room. Petunia dropped another tea cup.

"I apparated just now Harry that's why you feel as if your insides were pulled through your mouth. We are now in Muggle London. We have a bit of a walk to Diagon Alley but once we get there we can start making your purchases."

Harry was trying to stay mentally calm but kept feeling fear rise within him. Harry then felt the questions coming back to him.

"Um - Remus?"

"Mm?" said Remus, who was looking at all of the muggle signs. Harry tugged on his arm.

"I haven't got any money - and you heard Uncle Vernon last night... he won't pay for me to go and learn magic."

"Don't worry about that," said Remus, shaking his head at the thought of the fat man. "Your parents will have taken care of it all."

"But if they never have met me then why would they pay for my schooling?" Harry asked

Remus looked very sad just then. He tried to smile at Harry, "Your parents love you so very much. They think you're a great boy. They wish they could do this with you but they can't. They told me so."

"Really they want to be here with me?"

"Yes Harry more than anything in the world."

"May I see your letter, Harry?" he asked.

Harry took the parchment envelope out of his pocket.

"Good," said Remus. "There's a list there of everything you need."

Harry unfolded a second piece of paper he hadn't noticed the night before, and read:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL o f WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)

2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags

COURSE BOOKS

All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand

1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set of glass or crystal phials

1 telescope set

1 brass scales

Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS

"Can we buy all this in London?" Harry wondered aloud.

"If you know where to go," said Remus in a mysterious kind of way.

Harry had never been to London before. He hadn't even been outside of his neighborhood in Surrey. It was incredible all of the people. They made their way across streets and into buildings. Harry was shocked by these sights.

"I don't know how the Muggles manage without magic," he said as they climbed a broken-down escalator that led up to a bustling road lined with shops.

"This is it," said Remus, coming to a halt, "the Leaky Cauldron. It's very well known within the wizarding world."

It was a tiny, grubby-looking pub. If Remus hadn't pointed it out, Harry wouldn't have noticed it was there. The people hurrying by didn't glance at it. Their eyes slid from the big book shop on one side to the record shop on the other as if they couldn't see the Leaky Cauldron at all. In fact, Harry had the most peculiar feeling that only he and Remus could see it. Before he could mention this, Remus had steered him inside.

For a famous place, it was very dark and shabby. A few old women were sitting in a corner, drinking tiny glasses of sherry. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the old bartender, who was quite bald and looked like a toothless walnut. The low buzz of chatter continued when they walked in. The bartender looked up, saying, "Hello there, Remus!"

"Hello, Tom, I'm on Hogwarts business," said Remus, clapping his great hand on Harry's shoulder and making Harry's knees buckle.

"Hello there," said the bartender, peering at Harry, "First time at Hogwarts son?"

The Leaky Cauldron had continued on as Remus chatted with the bar man. A pale young man made his way forward, very nervously. One of his eyes was twitching.

"Professor Quirrell!" said Remus. "Harry, Professor Quirrell will be one of your teachers at Hogwarts."

"P-P-Potter," stammered Professor Quirrell, grasping Harry's hand, "c-can't t-tell you how p-pleased I am to meet you."

"What sort of magic do you teach, Professor Quirrell?" Harry asked curiously.

"D-Defense Against the D-D-Dark Arts," muttered Professor Quirrell, as though he'd rather not think about it. "You'll be g-getting all your equipment, I suppose? I've g-got to p-pick up a new b-book on vampires, m-myself." He looked terrified at the very thought.

"Well we'll be off then. A lot to buy on his first trip." Remus said. Tom waved happily and they continued on into a empty courtyard. Remus, meanwhile, was counting bricks in the wall above the trash can.

He muttered. "Right, stand back, Harry."

He tapped the wall three times with the point of his wand.

The brick he had touched quivered - it wriggled - in the middle, a small hole appeared - it grew wider and wider - a second later they were facing an archway large enough even for Remus, an archway onto a cobbled street that twisted and turned out of sight.

"Welcome," said Remus, "to Diagon Alley."

He grinned at Harry's amazement. They stepped through the archway. Harry looked quickly over his shoulder and saw the archway shrink instantly back into solid wall.

He looked around in awe as he saw shops lining the street. People dressed in robes walked and chatted in front of them. Harry began to walk towards a shop with books in it's window before Remus pulled him back.

"Sorry Harry," said Remus, "But before we do anything we have to visit your vault."

As they walked, Harry tried to absorb all of it. He could see multiple animals that looked odd and he saw a broom in the window of one of the shops.

They finally came upon a towering building that had huge white pillars. They had reached the gates of the building. Standing beside its bronze doors, wearing a uniform of scarlet and gold, was a funny looking creature He had a swarthy, clever face, a pointed beard and, Harry noticed, very long fingers and feet. He bowed as they walked inside. Now they were facing a second pair of doors, silver this time, with words engraved upon them:

Enter, stranger, but take heed

Of what awaits the sin of greed,

For those who take, but do not earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn.

So if you seek beneath our floors

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware

Of finding more than treasure there.

"It's a warning Harry, Goblins tend to deal with thieves in a very unpleasant way," said Remus. They walked throught the doors into a large hallway lined with desks that had more goblins sat upon them. They had stacks of gold and silver coins and seemed to be conversing in a different language.

"Good Morning Sir," said Remus to a free goblin. "We wish to take money from Mr. Potter's vault."

"You have his key, sir?"

"Yes I do have it," said Remus, He quickly dug into his suit pocket and pulled out a small golden key. It had the letter's HP engraved on it with circles around it. It looked quite expensive to Harry who had never had anything of such value attributed to him in his life.

"Here it is," said Remus, handing it over to the goblin.

The goblin looked at it closely. He rolled in in his had and seemed to smirk. He looked at Harry and felt quite unsettled. "That seems to be in order. I will have someone take you down to both vaults. Griphook!"

Griphook was yet another goblin. Unlike the goblin at the desk he had darker hair and seemed to have a spring in his step.

"What do the goblin's eat?" Harry asked.

"I'm not sure," said Remus, giving Harry a confused look. Griphook held the door open for them. Harry was happy to see that they got to go on a train cart. He had always wanted to go with Dudley to the fair but his aunt and Uncle had no interest in letting him attend. Hey climbed in. The cart was racing down the depth caverns at a fast speed. The cart stopped, the goblin clamberd out.

"Vault 687. Lamp, please." He said in a bored tone. Remus handed him the lamp and he walked to the vault

"Key please." Remus handed him the key and he unlocked it. The room was filled nearly top to bottom with coins. Harry was amazed. He looked over at Remus with excited eyes.

"This vault was created by your parents after you were born. Your older brother Jimmy is considered the heir to the family fortune but you still get an allowance as a member of the Potter family." Remus explained. Harry nodded, thinking about his brother and parents. Did they want to meet him? Would they like him? He shook his head and continued back to the surface.

Remus explained that he had some errands to run himself and that he couldn't help Harry through all of his list. Harry nodded.

"You go into Madam Malkin's and get your robes and continue down the list," said Remus, nodding toward Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. "I'll be around for you later, aright then?."

Harry entered Madam Malkin's shop alone, feeling nervous. Madam Malkin was a squat, smiling witch dressed all in mauve.

"Hogwarts, dear?" she said, when Harry started to speak. "Got the lot here - another young man being fitted up just now, in fact."

In the back of the shop, a boy with platinum blonde hair and grey eyes stood standing on a footstool while a second witch pinned up his long black robes. Madam Malkin stood Harry on a stool next to him slipped a long robe over his head, and began to pin it to the right length.

"Hello," said the boy, "Hogwarts, too?"

"Yes," said Harry.

"My father's next door buying my books and mother's up the street looking at wands," said the boy. He had a bored, drawling voice. "Then I'm going to drag them off to took at racing brooms. I don't see why first years can't have their own. I think I'll bully father into getting me one and I'll smuggle it in somehow."

Harry wasn't sure what he was supposed to say. He didn't know much about anything so how was he supposed to answer him.

"Have you got your own broom?" the boy went on.

"No," said Harry, blushing. He felt like he was lower class to this boy.

"Play Quidditch at all?"

"No," Harry said again, wondering what on earth Quidditch could be.

"I do - Father says it's a crime if I'm not picked to play for my house, and I must say, I agree. Know what house you'll be in yet?"

"No," said Harry, feeling more stupid by the minute. This boy knew so much already and he had no idea what houses were. He felt so awkward with the way this boy was talking.

"Well, no one really knows until they get there, do they, but I know I'll be in Slytherin, all our family have been - imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?"

"Mmm," said Harry, wishing he could say something a bit more interesting. He figured if he just seemed disinterested then he wouldn't seem stupid.

"Where are your parents?" He asked with a bit of curiosity in his voice.

"Never met them," said Harry shortly. Which was technically true even if it was a bit of a fib.

"Oh, sorry," said the boy with a bit of a blush on his face, he seemed embarrassed. "But they were our kind, weren't they?"

"They were a witch and wizard, if that's what you mean." Harry wondered if there were people who had muggles for parents.

"I really don't think they should let the other sort in, do you? They're just not the same, they've never been brought up to know our ways. Some of them have never even heard of Hogwarts until they get the letter, imagine. I think they should keep it in the old wizarding families. What's your surname, anyway?" Harry began to panic. What if they brought up his brother. Harry didn't even know his family.

But before Harry could answer, Madam Malkin said, "That's you done, my dear," and Harry, not sorry for an excuse to stop talking to the boy, hopped down from the footstool.

"Well, I'll see you at Hogwarts, I suppose," said the blonde boy. Harry wasn't really looking forward to it. Harry found Remus and they went to a place known as Flourish and Blotts. It was filled with books on all sorts of stuff. He managed to convince Remus to get him a couple extra books. The Dursleys had never allowed him books so it was quite exciting. They next went to a small place that had cauldrons were Harry bought his. As they continued to check things off of his list he found that the last big item was one of the most interesting.

"I still need...a wand." He looked up at Remus with a smile. "A wand? Well, Ollivanders is the best no doubt. You go ahead there, get your wand. I just got one more thing I got to do. Won't be long."

Remus grinned at him before rushing off. Harry walked towards the old looking shop. As he pushed open the heavy door He did not see anyone. Harry walked into the store, quietly. He looked around. There are shelves of boxes, but no people. It was quite unnerving.

"Hello? Hello?" Harry said quietly. There is a thump. A man appeared on a ladder and looked at Harry. He smiled. He had long white hair that stuck out from his head as if he had been electrocuted. He also had strange, hawk like eyes.

"I wondered when I'd be seeing you, Mr. Potter. It seems only yesterday that your mother and father were in here buying their first wands. And only a few years ago they collected a wand for your brother Jimmy," He said with a smile. He picked a wand out from a box. He looked to be examining it. He finally appeared to deicide.

"Ah. Here we are." Mr. Ollivander handed Harry the wand. Harry held it but just stood there, unsure of what he was supposed to do. Ollivander scowled at him, "Well, give it a wave!"

"Oh!" Harry said. He waved the wand wildly. All the shelves to his right came crashing down. Harry jumped and hurriedly put the wand back on the counter, looking sheepishly up at a flabbergasted Ollivander.

"Apparently not." He said with a far off look in his eye. He took hold another wand, much shorter with a light wood. "Perhaps this."

He gave the wand to Harry. Harry waved it at a vase, which blows apart. Again, Ollivander took it back with a look of dismay. "No, no, definitely not! No matter..."

For the next hour, Harry tried wand after wand. Again and again they failed him. It seemed that with each wand Ollivander got happier and happier. He began to giggle when they failed Harry. Harry found this annoying and was wondering if he even had the right kind of magic. He could just see Remus dropping him off at the Dursleys and saying that he couldn't go to Hogwarts.

Ollivander finally pulled out an old moldy wand box. He looked at it with doubt, "I wonder..."

He handed the wand to Harry. The second it touched his hand he was filled with a feeling of joy. His heart lifted and he knew that he had found the right wand. He looked over to see that Ollivander seemed rather displeased.

"Curious, very curious." The old man whispered looking at the wand. Harry was shocked. Ollivander had seemed to be overjoyed with the challenge but now that Harry had his wand he seemed to be rather upset.

"Sorry, but what's curious?" Harry asked hesitantly. Ollivander turned to him with a hard look in his eye, "I have made many wands Mr. Potter, over many years. But this wand, this wand was made by another. He sells wands of a much darker origin. This wand is made from yew and it's core is a Dementor's heart string."

"And... Is that a very bad thing?" Harry asked. He didn't want everyone thinking that he was some mean person like Uncle Vernon. Ollivander gave him a glance, then smiled again. "Oh, I believe only time can tell for you. The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It's not always clear why, but I think it is clear that we can expect great things from you. You see great doesn't mean good, for there have been some very bad wizards who have done great things, terrible! But great. Do not make me regret selling you this wand Mr. Potter."

Harry quickly paid and left the store. He found Remus with his Birthday gift. A White Owl who he named Hedwig. They ended the day with a calm supper at the Leaky Cauldron. The two, Remus and Harry, had been sat a long table, eating soup. Harry had said thank you to Remus quietly but other than that hadn't spoken since Ollivanders.

"Are you alright, Harry? You seem very quiet. If something is bothering you then you can talk to me about it?" Remus asked with a concerned look on his face.

"Why didn't my parents keep me? Was I not… what they wanted? Please Remus I want to know." Harry asked with a sad look on his face. Remus sighed and pushed his bowl of soup away. He had not wanted to discuss this with Harry. He wished Lily and James could explain why they hadn't been able to keep both sons.

"First, and understand this, Harry, because it's very important. Your parents love you very much. They're first and foremost devoted to your personally safety. One of the main reasons that they weren't able to be with you is that the Dark Lord had agents searching for twin boys. By separating you it was Albus Dumbledore's idea that it would be harder to track you." Remus explained. Harry nodded but wasn't satisfied with the idea.

"But- why didn't they visit or write to me? I-I thought they were dead." Harry asked as tears clouded his vision. Remus grimaced at the sight. He felt all the air come out of his lungs at the sight of the boy. How was he supposed to tell him that he was his godfather? How was he supposed to explain that he failed him?

"It-It's difficult Harry." Remus began, "We knew that you'd be safe at your Aunt's and we assumed that they would have explained these things to you. We had hoped for better Harry, we really did, but sometimes that doesn't happen."

Harry nodded again. The explanation didn't make him feel any better and the idea that his brother got to grow up with his parents and he didn't was unfair. This Jimmy boy was probably a good wizard already. He tried to swallow all of the Jealously that was flooding into him but he found that it just made him feel even more bitter. He would always be an outsider because of this and there was nothing he could do. As they finished their dinner Harry was silent again.

As they apparated back to Surrey, Harry had a melancholy feeling in his chest. What would he do when he met his brother? He tried to stop asking himself questions as they just made he feel worse. Remus dragged his trunk filled with supplies up to the door. He patted Harry on the shoulder awkwardly and left.

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Remus stumbled from Dumbledore's fireplace. He was greeted to the sight of his husband Sirius, his best friends Lily and James and his mentor Albus. They all looked at him expectantly. He took a seat and let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding in. He looked over at Lily who was on the brink of tears.

"Remus," She said quietly, "What was he like?"

"He was very kind and polite." He said, pausing as to find the right words, "The Dursleys… they never- they never told him about magic-"

"WHAT! What do you mean they never told him about magic?" James shot out of his seat. Lily grabbed ahold of his arm and Albus held up his hand as if to signify an end to the out burst.

"They- they said that you two had died in a car crash." Remus gulped as his friend looked ready to burst at the seams. Sirius also was beginning to turn red. Albus had lost the twinkle in his eyes.

"But- he was loved? Tooney loved him? She didn't-" Lily broke off as she let out a small sob. James took a hold of her and looked at Dumbledore, "Can't he come home to us now Albus, he is our boy… it's been too long."

Albus gave his former student a small smile, "James you must know that Harry is safest at your sister in law's. Though maybe when the school year begins you and Lily can come and visit him on weekends. I still believe that summers would be best spent at the Dursley home but I do not wish to Deprive young Harry of a relationship with his Family."

Lily nodded and smiled, "Of course Albus whatever you think would be best."

Albus smiled at the four. He had grown quite close to his students. With Sirius being the Head Hit Wizard now, he had a lot of sway with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. As did James. He had been made Deputy Head of the Auror's office.

Lily had always been a favourite of his and her master of charms had only made her more impressive. He had rather enjoyed these last few years. He was known as 'Grandpa Albus' to Jimmy and Rose as well as Orion. He had been preparing for war for a long time. He knew this peace wouldn't last.

Harry Potter posed a problem to the world Albus had created. If he didn't fit in to the mainstream he would be dealt with in a way that would make everyone happy. If he didn't fit in with his brother Jimmy at Hogwarts then perhaps he could be sent to another school. Far away

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Let me know what you think.