This story is a take-over from vicky0958

I hope she likes where I'll go with it. I have changed many aspects but hold
out hope that it's appreciated all the same. She gave us a great story plot to start.

Being rewritten and finished by RBlack

Harry Potter and his Destiny

Chapter 1

It was a oddity of a day in Surrey London, not a cloud in sight, warm with clam winds. Families were all outside enjoying the weather. All along Privet Drive people were enjoying the beautiful day. Everywhere you looked there were smiles and laughter. Everywhere except in the garden of number 4. There in that back yard, weeding the garden was a boy with shaggy, black hair and a scar etched on his forehead. His name was Harry Potter. He had only returned from school a week ago, but was ready to be anywhere but here. He was given the chore of weeding and replanting the garden. As he was working he was thinking about his life, or lack thereof.

"Why me" Harry asked himself "Why do I have to be the CHOSEN ONE?" The more he thought about it, the more confused and angry he became. "There are many witches and wizards that are more powerful and experienced than me, so why do I have to be the one to do this" he asked himself "If only Sirius were here. He would be able to help me understand." His thoughts wondered to Sirius, his godfather. As his thoughts raced, his anger and confusion grew. "I wish I could be someone else. Someone who is in control of their future. I don't even have control of my life right now, how can I have the future I want if everyone else makes all the decisions for me? Why can't I get anyone to listen to what I want? I wish I were someone that people would listen to."

What about his own mental health? Did Dumbledore think that by keeping secrets from him he'd be safe? In addition, when he had returned to Dumbledore's office after the battle, the old manipulating codger was kind enough to decide to reveal the prophecy to him; just right after his godfather died, sending him into a rage induced fury and in process destroying nearly all of Dumbledore's little trinkets. Harry smiled in remembrance of that small bit of revenge on the old man.

Harry's thoughts then turned to the "what ifs" and "almosts" of grief, grief of loosing yet another loved one.

'I would have studied harder and applied myself to the Occlumency lessons with Snape, if I had known the reason for it' thought Harry bitterly. The Occlumency lessons were a disaster. There was no doubt about that. When Snape caught him looking in his Pensive, he saw a memory of a younger Snape being humiliated by James Potter, which made him resent the fact that his father was a bully. Harry hated feeling helpless or trapped, which were the main feeling's inside him after he had heard the prophecy from Dumbledore.

Later that night...

Harry lay in his bed after practicing his Occlumency. A week earlier, the day he had returned to number 4 a packaged had arrived via muggle post with his name on it. Luckily for him his uncle Vernon has gone to work early that day and had no idea it had come for young Harry. The package which was sent anonymously had contained a book on Occlumency and a book on meditation. He had read both by the third day back at number 4. He had been very much surprised at how much easier it was when he had instructions he could understand. Having 'CLEAR YOUR MIND' yelled at you seconds before an attack did not count as instructions, from what the book he had read described Snape had "mind raped" him leaving him open to attack from any that wished to see his mind. He hated that bastard named Snape at that point so much he figured he could fire off an AK at old Snape and not feel an ounce of regret for it.

Harry actually thought he might be getting the hang of Occlumency. Of course he hadn't tested it yet and he knew he would have to strengthen his shields but at least it was a start. If he had the books earlier in the school year then he was sure he would've mastered it by now.

As he lay there he began to drift off to sleep, when all of a sudden he was startled awake by a burst of flames in the middle of his bedroom. With wand pointed and a spell on his lips, he realized, with relief, that it was Fawkes, Albus Dumbledore's phoenix. "Good God Fawkes" he gasped with heart racing "Don't do that!" Fawkes trilled with what sounded like laughter as he flew to Harry and perched on his bed. "What are you doing here" asked Harry after he caught his breath. He then noticed a letter attached to Fawkes as he held out his leg. Harry removed the letter and read it.

Harry,

I trust things are going well for you. I know you don't wish to be at the Dursley's but it is for your protection. I must remind you to not wander far from the house, you must stay close. I've stopped your subscription to the paper. You need to deal with your godfather's death. Take this time to grieve and pull yourself together.

I have already spoken with Professor Snape and he will be continuing your instruction in Occlumency. I am a bit disappointed with your progress. Professor Snape will arrive at the Dursley's in one week. You will have lessons twice a week until the end of summer. I expect you to work hard to master Occlumency. If you work hard and progress well, I may let you visit Diagon Alley to pick up your school supplies.

Albus Dumbledore

White hot anger spiked through Harry "HOW DARE HE" he yelled. Fawkes startled and trilled a soothing melody. A few moments later Harry felt calmer. "Thanks Fawkes, why do you bond yourself to that old codger? Once again he meddles in my life." he said. He slumped on his bed and re-read the letter. When he thought of Snape he felt his anger returning. "What is Dumbledore thinking; he knows how much I hate Snape. Why would he send him here?" As he was pondering this he had a realization, he... didn't... care. Dumbledore didn't care what he wanted. Obviously I wouldn't be here if he cared about my feelings. Fawkes still resting on Harry's shoulders lent down and drew a sorrowful tune so quiet that Harry barely heard it. It was a song of sorrow, sorrow for Harry and for Fawkes. Harry instinctively knew that this wonderful bird wasn't bonded to the old headmaster by choice. However he couldn't do anything to help the lord of flight at that moment. It would take time, and learning. "I'll help you Fawkes just as soon as I can, just hang on ok?" Harry spoke to Fawkes the bird trilled a quick "ok" and waited for Harry to scribble his reply to the headmaster.

Headmaster,

I am fine. I have been practicing Occlumency and am getting better thanks to some books I read.
DO NOT send Snape here! if you do I cannot guarantee his safety as I will be part of those lynching
him if he steps foot on the grounds of my family. I'll write if I have any dreams. Other than that please
let me be. I wish for no further correspondence from you or anyone in your bird club until school starts.

Harry Potter

With that done, he attached the letter to Fawkes and ran his hand down his feathery back. "Please take this to Dumbledore" he said. In a burst of flames Fawkes was gone, leaving Harry to his thoughts once again. He lay on his bed and drifted off.