AN/ Hi, This is my first ever attempt at writing a story. I hope some of you will like it. This story is set just before Harry's 7th year but HBP an DH have been ignored.
Disclaimer: If I was JKR would this really be the first story i've ever written?
The stones of hope
Chapter 1 A day to remember
It wasn't a very hot night in Little Whinging on the 31st of July 1997. A slight breeze made the leaves of every tree rustle softly and a nearly clear sky showed a waning moon. In a small bedroom of Private Drive number four, a boy with jet black hair and a scar in the shape of a lightning bolt tried to sleep.
Harry Potter couldn't get any sleep this night. He glanced at the alarm clock, 2 minutes past midnight. Today was his 17th birthday, he was finally of age, but he didn't feel like celebrating at all. Yesterday was possibly the worst day in his young and already troubled life. The horrors he had seen were weighing heavy on his mind. He went over the entire day again in his mind.
The day itself started out great, a clear sky and a nice warm sun starting to heat up the ground. Even Uncle Vernon's foul mood couldn't stop Harry's happy mood. He was supposed to go shopping in Diagon Alley with Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
"Oh, you're not gone yet" Uncle Vernon said with bitter disappointment as Harry entered the living room. " Go already I don't want you hanging around here anymore" he continued. Harry had decided this morning that he wouldn't get angry, mostly because it would be his last day in this horrible house. He lifted an eyebrow at his uncle and said: "Don't worry uncle, today is the last day that my presence will bother you. I'm leaving tomorrow". When Harry finished that last phrase Uncle Vernon's eyes lit up just like Harry expected. Though he was very happy about Harry leaving Vernon just couldn't say any nice words to the young wizard. " About time, isn't it?" was his response. Harry grinned and let it slide, Vernon wouldn't get him angry today.
Dudley on the other hand seemed to be slightly disappointed by Harry's statement. After all, Harry did save his life when those Dementors attacked. But Harry never saw the look on Dudley's face because he saw movement on the street. A large black car parked in front of the house and a horde of very familiar people stepped out. This time Harry's grin was almost reaching his ears, his real family had arrived. With a quick "Bye" he went outside and greeted Hermione and the Weasley's.
"Hi guys, great to see you again, I thought I was going mad in there". But Harry didn't come any farther because Mrs. Weasley gave him a warm bone crushing hug. "Harry how wonderful to see you again, oh my you are way too skinny, look at you all bones and no flesh, have those muggles even been feeding you, wait here I'll go in and tell them they need to feed you better". She said as she walked towards the house. "NO! please don't" pleaded Harry. " Honestly I don't mind anymore, I won't return here after tomorrow anyway, so please just let it be". "Molly just don't, like Harry said he won't be returning after tomorrow so leave them be, you can feed him tomorrow as much as you want when he is at the Burrow". Mr. Weasley said when he saw Harry's terrified face. Mrs. Weasley gave in. "Well all right then, but just this once".
Ron gave Harry a brotherly hug and said: " Hi Harry, I hope those muggles didn't give you too much trouble." "Nah not that much" was Harry's response. While Hermione held him in her arms more firmly than he was used to. " wow, you really missed me didn't you 'Mione?" " Of course I did, what else did you expect? I'm happy to see you again".
Harry looked at the last person standing there, the only one who still hadn't made a sound. With her small frame and her fiery red hair she was quite a sight. Harry was shocked to register that Ginny seemed a lot more beautiful than last year. He gave her a quick hug and said: " You look amazing Gin". Ginny blushed and thanked him for the compliment before giving Harry another hug. Now it was Harry's time to blush as Ginny let him go after a short time when Mr. Weasley cleared his throat.
"Harry, Dumbledore floo messaged us earlier today, he wants to meet with you today in the Leaky Cauldron if you don't mind". He said when Harry looked at him. Harry gave it a thought and said. " I don't mind, but what time does he want to meet me there?" "I don't know Harry, he said he would send Fawkes when it was time for the chat" was Mr. Weasley's answer. "Alright then, so are we ready to go?" Harry asked. When everybody nodded in the affirmative they stepped inside the ministry car and took off to London.
When they entered the Leaky Cauldron it was packed with people. Harry couldn't blame them, it sure was a beautiful day for a visit to Diagon Alley. He just hoped not too many people would recognise him so he could have a nice and relaxed visit.
"So where do we go first?" was Ron's question. "Well, I need to get a new set of robes. The old ones are getting a little too small for comfort so that could be a start" said Harry while looking for more familiar faces inside the Leaky Cauldron. He found Tonks, or rather, Tonks found him. "Wotcher Harry, good to see you, how are you?" "Tonks!, I'm fine, how about you?" " As good as can be expected with this lunatic running around". She answered him. "Off to get your stuff for Hogwarts are you? Well best be careful, just because you haven't heard from him in a while doesn't mean he isn't out there!" Tonks said with a sad grin.
They said goodbye to Tonks and made their way to Madam Malkin's. There Harry got himself a new set of robes and a set of new battle robes he saw on display before entering the store. "Honestly Harry were those battle robes really necessary?" Hermione asked annoyed. "Well they looked really cool and with old Voldie out there and us running in to him on more than one occasion I thought it would make a fine investment" Harry answered hotly. Hermione thought about it for a moment" you're probably right, so, what's next?"
"well I thought I heard you say earlier today that you need some new quills, so why don't we go to Amanuensis Quills over there?" Ron said with a smile. Hermione gave an almost unnoticeable smile back but Harry noticed. " I wonder when those two will finally stop this idiocy and just tell each other how they feel and get together". He thought to himself.
After they went inside and bought some quills they decided to get some ice cream, so they slowly made their way towards Florian Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. They saw some familiar faces but only greeted them in passing. Harry had just finished his ice cream when a blinding flash made Harry turn his face away to keep his sight. Fawkes appeared telling Harry that it was time for his meeting with Dumbledore. "Sorry guys I really need to go, Dumbledore is waiting for me." "Don't worry about it mate, good luck, and don't forget to tell us everything". Was Ron's supporting answer. "Only tell them when Dumbledore says it's alright". Said Mr. Weasley while Mrs. Weasley was telling Ron off. Harry shot a last look at the group and grabbed fawkes' tail, and with another blinding flash Harry was gone.
AN/ So what do you think? Please leave a review and if you do please do not forget to include whether I should upload more chapters or not.
Thank you for reading and hopefully till next time.
Orophin
