Separated in darkness they shall grow

Of each other they shall not know

Prospering apart, until their ready

Together they will keep the dark steady

Then they will defeat evil with his own way

But not before in darkness they shall lay

Chapter 1

Running. That's what Harry had been doing the whole summer; outside with Dudley and in his dreams. Surprisingly enough Harry did not dream of Cedric yelling at him and accusing him of murder. In fact, usually he was so exhausted when he went to bed that not even Voldemort could penetrate Harry's dead sleep. Usually that was.

On the odd chance that had occurred maybe six times this summer, Harry would visit Voldemort. He still stayed in the shadows; and no one ever gave any indication of seeing him. There Harry would watch and listen as Voldemort would continuously torture Death Eaters for failing at one task or another. Harry wasn't there often enough to understand what mission Voldemort was still working on, and so he had no idea what exactly they had failed at. And every time Dumbledore would send him letters asking about his dreams, he couldn't reply. That was one of the things that had made Harry change.

Not physically, Harry wasn't quite as tall as Ron yet, but internally. Harry had blamed Dumbledore, not himself, for Cedric's death and his own all to near and all to frequent occurrences with it There was no other explanation for it, Dumbledore had probably known Moody for longer than anybody else in all of England. But had he guessed that he was an impostor? No, even when Dumbledore had "realized that something was not right," did he save Harry?

Well in the end Harry had to admit that Dumbledore did come in in the nick of time to prevent Moody from murdering him. But Harry was sick of it all, Hogwarts was said to be the safest place because Dumbledore was there. Harry had almost died four times there, five if you count the incident in Moody's office. Five brushes with death isn't exactly a good rate in four years at the safest school with the most powerful wizard.

Another thing Harry had determined this summer was how alike Voldemort and Dumbledore were. Both planned and planned, but nothing ever came out of all this brilliant scheming. Voldemort always tries to kill Harry, and Dumbledore always tries to act the hero. So far Harry had gotten out of most of Voldemort's traps alive without Dumbledore's aid.

They were both old fools, and frankly Harry was tired of dealing with them. Voldemort only wanted him dead. And Dumbledore only used him as a pawn, a very nice pawn, but a pawn nonetheless. Harry no longer trusted either of them, not that he really ever trusted Voldemort in the first place.

So this summer he had virtually cut himself off from the wizarding world. No post, no cleaning the firebolt, no homework. The Durseley's had pretty much taken care of it in the past, but this summer Harry had gone along willingly and helped them lock his things up.

Before leaving the station, Harry had instructed Ron and Hermione not to write him. He had been afraid of Voldemort tracking the owls and killing their families. But instead of telling them that, Harry had just told them that the Durseleys would break his wand, (Hermione was horrified) and his firebolt (Ron was horrified) in half. Harry consoled himself from lying to his best friends by reminding himself about the ton-tongue toffee incident; the Durselys might just do as he said.

So far Harry hadn't received any letters except from those from Dumbledore. As promised Ron and Hermione had not even attempted a phone call. Sirius was hiding safely at Remus', and Hagrid had yet to return from visiting the giants. Life was good, Harry was totally disconnected from the wizarding world, and he from them. Now if only he could disconnect himself with the Durselys.

This summer had been what can only be described as odd. When Harry had returned from Hogwarts Dudley had already been home from school for three days, or what was left of Dudley had returned. Dudley had managed to lose fifty pounds in once school year. Harry would have that was an impossible feat to Dudley, who know resembled a pig and not a small whale. Though still over weight, Dudley had sized down quite a bit. Apparently the school had refused to feed him anything except salad until he lost five pounds, then he was allowed to have yoghurt. Every five pounds he lost, Dudley was given a new food to choose from.

Smeltings had sent a letter to Vernon and Petunia informing them that Dudley would not be allowed back if he gained over ten pounds this summer. Petunia had been shocked that they had starved her baby, and Vernon wrote back threatening to sue. Unfortunately for Dudley, their decision stood.

Petunia couldn't bring herself to starve Dudley, so she made him exercise. Dudley had refused even when she had said that he could get a new mountain bike to ride around the park. Dudley finally relented when Petunia had told him she would buy him a new smelting stick which he could hit Harry with while chasing him on his bike. Harry first thought this was child abuse until he realized that Dudley couldn't catch him, so he never actually got hurt.

So every morning Aunt Petunia would go with Harry and Dudley to the park with a track around it; at exactly five in the morning to no one would be able to make fun of "her Duddykins." Dudley would hop on his bike determined that this would be the morning that he would get Harry, and Harry would run. All in all it was probably only about a mile. But as the days progressed Dudley seemed to think that Harry would get tired if he had to run farther, he did, but so did Dudley. Eventually it became two miles and then three, and finally four. And that was how the summer began, until Steven had showed up.

It was six in the morning and Harry had just finished his final lap around the park, Petunia sat on a bench waiting for Dudley to finish. Once Harry completed running, Dudley always stopped and walked to the end, seeing no point in riding if Harry wasn't there. So instead of sitting down next to his aunt, Harry walked over to the fountain. He glanced around quickly to make sure no one was looking, not surprisingly nobody else was about at six a.m.

Harry placed his glasses on the edge of the stone surrounding the fountain, and stripped his shirt off. He then ducked his sweaty head in the fountain before splashing his upper body. Feeling cleaner, Harry finally put his shirt and glasses back on. He was about to start stretching when he heard a voice.

"You there," Harry looked to see where Dudley was, he was still only halfway around the path, and it couldn't have been Aunt Petunia because the voice was a man's. "Hello, yes you!"

Harry finally turned and saw a middle aged and very finely dressed man making his way toward him at an alarming speed. Harry normally would have turned and fled, but this man appeared to be a crazy muggle and not some obsessed wizard.

When the man finally reached Harry he spoke. "Hello I'm Steven Stewart," he said shaking Harry's hand. "I work for Timion modeling agency, and I was wondering how old you are." Harry stared utterly confused.

Nevertheless he managed to stumble over an answer and not make a complete fool of himself. "I'm almost fifteen sir." The man simply beamed at Harry's response.

"Good good, what's your name boy?"

Well this man obviously wasn't a wizard. "Harry Potter."

Steven looked about and he must have spotted Petunia because he quickly asked, "Is that your mother over there?"

Harry might have been insulted, except he was used to it by now, and so he gave his usual response. "No, that's my Aunt Petunia. She's my guardian." Unlike most people, Steven didn't offer condolences or his sympathy. Instead he practically ran to Petunia. Harry followed, deciding he didn't like this man.

By the time Harry reached the pair, they were already deep in conversation. Steven was busy saying, "Please, you don't know how special he is, I need to have him. He'll be the best model of his age ever!"

Aunt Petunia looked skeptical over whatever Steven was proposing. "I'm not sure, he's not exactly an agreeable child. And I simply don't have time to be running him about."

Steven obviously wasn't one to give up quickly because he soon continued. "Transportation will be provided, not to worry. It won't have to be deducted from his final pay check I swear."

Petunia's whole face lit up with interest at the mention of a paycheck. "Pay? How much?"

Steven's smile was brighter than Lockhart's ever had been, it was almost too painful to look at. "We'll discuss the finalities and contract later, but I'd say with his face and body, he could get a cover for over three thousand pounds easily." Petunia didn't seem capable of speech at the moment. "We can do a trial run then, if you're still not satisfied, I'll rip up the contract no questions asked. So what do you say, do we have a deal?"

Petunia didn't even bother to look at Harry for an opinion when she immediately grasped Steven's outstretched hand; for if she had, she would have seen the look of absolute horror that came over his face when realization finally dawned.

That had been on July first. The "trial" had lasted two days until Petunia had been given Harry's first chec; the contract was immediately signed. Harry had refused until Petunia had really threatened to break Harry's wand in half. For almost a month Harry had withdrawn more and more, as his hatred of Petunia, Voldemort and yes, even Dumbledore continued to grow.

Unlike most adults, the people at Timion had loved his look. All of Harry's photos showed him with red eyes from lack of sleep, and tussled hair because the hairdresser's couldn't manage to keep it cut. Harry appeared so vulnerable, like a child in need of help in some, while the other photos showed a much more matured and intimidating Harry who was rebelling even as the camera snapped away.

Because of all the editing involved, his first official debut into a muggle magazine wasn't until the day before his birthday. That particular issue had him in fall clothes that were going to be in stores the next week. Harry was just thankful that it wasn't spring, and then he'd be modeling for the summer season. Though Harry had been lucky enough to get out of wearing swimming trunks for the all of England to see, he wasn't having the same luck with the runway.

Petunia was currently in his dressing room, threatening to burn his broom if he wouldn't be in a runway show the following weekend. "It'll only take one match and your broom will be nothing more than ashes."

Harry didn't even bother to look at her as he tied his shoes. "No, and for the last time it's a firebolt and it's burn proof." The last part was a lie; his broom wasn't really fire proof, just as his wand was really unbreakable. It also wouldn't release deadly gases if touched by a muggle. But Petunia didn't need to know that.

"Fine." Harry looked up surprised. Steven had offered 800 pounds in exchange for the show when he heard how defiant Harry was being. It wasn't like Petunia to give up that much money so easily. "You can't go back to that school in the fall then."

Harry actually laughed at her threat. She must really be getting desperate if she couldn't come up with anything better than that. Petunia hadn't even mentioned cutting off his fine food supply, which had been like Hogwarts food compared to the previous years.

Petunia stared at Harry as though he had grown another head. Abruptly he stopped his laughter and stood. Now that he was taller than her, he made a point to stand close enough so that she would have to look up at him.

"I don't think you'll do that, because on September first I'll be leaving whether you like it or not. It's not within your power to decide where I go then, but it is your decision whether or not you want me back next summer. If you allow me to leave in September, and you forget this modeling thing for the rest of the summer, maybe I'll forgive you and your family when I get my wizard's license. When that happens I can make you all disappear…like that!" Harry made a snap with his hand.

"And no one will ever be the wiser of what really happened to your precious family. Either way I'm leaving, only one way I might be back to kill you, the other to just enjoy your company." Harry finished evilly. Even though Harry had just threatened her, and had given her a look that would have sent many to an early grave, Petunia didn't even flinch. All she did was blink once before replying.

"I'm sorry that you feel that way, but until you get your license to kill, you're mine. And I can do whatever I want with you. Warn me all you want, but you're going to stay here working until I say so. And if you do leave in September, you had better come back to kill me because if you don't, I'll do exactly that to you." With that she stomped out of his room and slammed the door on the way out.

Harry meanwhile stood bewildered. He had no idea what had just happened. Had he just threatened his aunt? And had she really just threatened him back? Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts. He needed to get away, but he didn't want to return to the wizarding world where all his money was. There there was Voldemort and Dumbledore. Two people he hated most besides his aunt Petunia, and Steven for getting him into this whole mess.

Harry sat down in his chair in order to concentrate better. So I am left in the muggle world…penniless. Harry suddenly snapped his head up at that thought. He wasn't really penniless. After all, he had been working for the better part of the month. Maybe Petunia would agree to give him some of his money back if he would stick it out through August and the four days left in July.

On the limo ride home, Harry cautiously spoke to his aunt. "I'll make a deal with you, if you give me seventy-five percent of my money, I'll do the rest of the summer willingly."

Petunia looked as though she hadn't heard a thing he had said. Harry opened his mouth to repeat himself when she broke in. "Fifty percent."

Harry was a bit shocked for the second time that day that she wasn't being her usual greedy, grumpy self. "Deal."

Petunia whipped her head around to face Harry and smile evilly, "and you have to do the runway." Harry felt the blood drain from his head. There was absolutely no way he was going to be in the runway show.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Harry was currently standing behind a red curtain talking with Steven, who was prepping him for his first walk down the runway. "Now, you walk down as I told you, pose for three Timion Modeling seconds, and walk back. Don't smile, and hurry when you get back for your next outfit." Harry seriously doubted smiling would be a problem for him. Though he had considered doing it just to piss Steven off enough so he would fire him.

Steven seemed to know what he had been thinking because he quickly offered to give Harry another two hundred pounds if he didn't screw up. That meant one hundred pounds for Harry, so he complied.

That had been the only reason he had acutally agreed in the first place. One night doing this made him more money than a week of photos for one magazine. Harry hadn't become obsessed with getting money, he had become obsessed with the prospect of living on his own next summer. Never again would he have to return to Privet Drive if he earned enough to support him through the next two summers.

When Harry had finished his fifth walk in less than one hour, Steven called a halt. Saying that he had been magnificent. Harry just grumbled and walked sleepily to his dressing room where he could put on more comfortable clothes. Petunia was waiting in the limo for him, so he walked out the front doors to get there the fastest.

And that was when Harry felt the most horror he had ever felt in the muggle world. It was even worse than the runway. Blocking the sliding glass doors of the hotel where the show had been at, where people. There was a huge mob of reporters, cameramen, and girls all pushing their way towards him. Harry did what most men would do; he fled.

Slipping on his black raincoat, he walked out the back door. Even though it wasn't raining, the coat covered him from head to toe. He calmly and slowly, so as not to draw attention to himself, walked around the perimeter of the throng of people. Harry spotted his limo only twenty feet away. He thought he could make it before the crowd noticed exactly which car he was getting into. Ten feet away he ran.

It took all of two seconds for him to reach the door, and all of one second before someone called out, "Look! That's him!" The last thing he saw before he was pulled inside was a hundred people stampeding at him. Then the driver sped off before the first of the group could reach him. Letting out a sigh of relief that he hadn't been aware that he had been holding, Harry leaned back against his seat.

Petunia was once again being silent, probably counting how much money she was going to make off of him.

~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Harry woke up the morning of his birthday to go running as usual. Even though Harry now had a job, he was still required to exercise with Dudley every morning. So after taking a shower and eating a breakfast, Harry went upstairs to grab his coat before the limo arrived for today's photos. Apparently Steven had been so anxious to see how Harry's photos of him in the fall line had turned out, he had opened the dark room door before the pictures had been fully developed. Now thanks to Steven's stupidity, Harry had to do the whole wardrobe over again.

Harry was not looking forward to the next three days. So he slowly made his way up the stairs and to his room. As if to prolong the trip to the studio. As he entered his room he was attacked by a flying pig (wouldn't that be funny). Once Harry realized that it was Ron's owl he stopped trying to attack the flying feather ball, and tried to catch it. Harry's seeker skills quickly came out of the yearlong dormitory state, and he had Pig subdued in a matter of moments.

Once Harry had time to notice what Pig had attached to his leg, he immediately drop him and recoiled. Pig had a letter. Even though Harry might be secretly glad that Ron had ignored his warning, and had at least sent him a birthday greeting. But, he couldn't let the wall he had built around himself the whole summer shatter just because of one letter. One letter that he wouldn't even bother to read.

Pig obviously didn't feel the same because he instantly started fluttering around Harry. Nipping him after Harry refused to take his letter. "HARRY! GET DOWN HERE!" Petunia yelled up the stairs, as Harry looked out the window and spotted the waiting limo. Resignedly Harry grabbed Pig's letter, pretty sure that Petunia would not appreciate an owl following them around the whole day.

Pig seemed satisfied that Harry had given in because he quickly hooted and flew off, only hitting the window sill once on his way out. Only then did Harry drop the letter as though it were on fire. "HARRY!" Harry gave the piece of parchment one last glare before he ran down the stairs.

Ten hours later Harry had managed to completely forget the letter. He was so exhausted when he climbed into bed that he failed to notice two other owls perched on his desk, both carrying letters.

Though when Harry did eventually wake up on August 1st, he did notice them. One was a Hogwarts owl. Harry figured it was another one from Dumbledore, but he opened it anyway. His eyes widened in shock and then rage as he quickly scanned the letter.

Harry-

I must come and get you tomorrow, on the first, be ready by noon. I'll explain everything else when you come to Hogwarts. You may inform your family that you will not be returning for the remainder of the summer.

Albus Dumbledore

Harry couldn't believe it, he was ecstatic to be leaving, but he would be returning to Dumbledore. And all the money he had earned over the summer would be useless. Harry vaguely wondered what Aunt Petunia's reaction would be; she was so looking forward to going to the Caribbean for a photo shoot in two weeks. What would she do with her time now that Harry was gone, how would she earn her money?

A movement brought Harry back to the present; the other large brown owl was hopping about on his desk. Obviously impatient to be off. With a sigh, Harry unfolded the second letter. It was from Sirius.

Harry,

WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING? YOU'RE TOLD TO SPECIFICALLY LIE LOW THIS SUMMER AND DO NOTHING! BUT CAN YOU DO THAT, NO! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING; YOUR FACE IS ALL OVER BLOODY EUROPE. I'LL BE SURPRISED IF THE QUEEN DOESN'T INVITE YOU TO STAY FOR A WEEKEND. Sirius seemed to have calmed down a bit then, for the next paragraph had been written normally.

Unfortunately if that does occur, you'll have to say no. Dumbledore is extremely angry about this, but for some reason he hasn't acted upon it yet. I for one am very disappointed in you.

We are doing everything to ensure your safety, please don't allow our efforts to go to waste. Stay out of trouble.

Sirius

Well it seemed as though people in the wizarding world had found out about his life as a model in the muggle world, Harry only hoped no one else he knew had. Harry decided he should inform Petunia about his soon to be departure right before he and Dudley ran. That way he would only be subjected to her glares and sharp tongue every five minutes when he finished a lap.

Satisfied that he had planned his day of hell accordingly, Harry made his way downstairs. His morning confrontation with his aunt, went as planned, although Petunia had attemptd to run after him. When Petunia finally drove them home, she orderd Harry to his room without breakfast, and looked up the number for the agency. Two minutes later Harry heard a vase crash, or at least Harry hoped it was a vase. Anything else would probably have broken through a wall.

Harry sat in his room for the remaining five and a half hours waiting for Dumbledore to arrive. He packed, which took longer than other years had because of his newly aquired wardrobe. His uncle came in around ten according to his clock, and threw all his magical possessions inside. Harry stared at his broom, wand, and books miserably. He had no idea how he was going to fit everything inside his already too full trunk. He was only thankful that Hedwig had gone to Hermione for the summer, so he wouldn't have to fit her cage and all her supplies inside as well.

At ten after twelve Petunia burst in, "He's here, and he's late." She snarled. Harry saluted her as he dragged his trunk past her and down the stairs. At the bottom stood Dumbledore.

"Hello Harry, follow me, I'll explain everything on the way." Harry had wanted to balk, and yell at Dumbledore. Ordering him to explain or he wouldn't go. But apparently Albus hadn't considered that as a possibility because he had his back to Harry, and was already half-way across the lawn. Harry ran after him to catch up.

Once in the street, Harry looked expectantly at Dumbledore. In response, Dumbledore look Harry right in the eye, and gave him a look of sympathy before drawing out his wand.

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AN: sorry it took me so long to repost, as you can see I needed to change some things. George became Stewart because two Georges was too confusing. Please remember to REVIEW!