Chapter 1
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all characters associated with him do not belong to me. They belong to the wonderful J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros. I own nothing but the plot, and much of that is based on Camp Manitou owned by the YMCA organization. "Formatting" ideas come from the wonderful book Hidden Talents by David Lubar.
A/N: Here it is, my first stab into the realm of Harry Potter fan fiction. Happy reading!
One day at Number 4 Privet drive, Harry Potter lay on his bed, daydreaming. He was bored. He had nothing at all to do. His summer homework was done, and he had just written letters to all his friends in the wizarding world two days ago. Hedwig was off delivering them right now. She had seemed glad to have a reason to get away from the house; this summer had been extremely dull, making it almost worse than the previous four. This was quite bad, considering the letters from Hogwarts, then Dobby's warning, the pudding and being locked in his room. Then there was blowing up Aunt Marge and running away, and the next summer, the dream and his scar hurting. Each time though, he had found a way out, or one had come to him. This summer seemed endless, and he still had more than a month until school would start on September 1. But one of the worst things of the summer was Cedric Digory's death hanging over his head and the constant worry of Voldemort coming to kill him. Harry had no one to talk to of his guilt, sadness and worry. If he mentioned anything about his real life in this house, the quiet boredom would explode and it would all end in even greater misery for Harry. Because of this, Harry had been almost mute all summer, staying in his room most of the time. He just didn't see the point anymore of fighting with his relatives. It wouldn't get him anywhere. As he lay on his bed, thinking these depressing thoughts, he stared out the window. There was an oddly shaped object moving towards him and he idly wondered what it was. Suddenly he realized what he was staring at and jumped up. It was Hedwig! Harry rushed over to the window and threw it open letting fresh air into the room along with the owl. She flew around the room once, then landed on the desk. "Why are you back so soon? Is something wrong? You couldn't have gotten all the way to Sirius and back by now could you? You're only been gone for a day! Is he closer now? Why would he be coming back? Is it Ron or Hermione? What is it Hedwig?" To this rampage, Hedwig merely pointed with her beak to the letter tied to her leg. Harry quickly undid it and started to read.
Harry! How are you? You are never going to believe this! We got a brochure the other day in the Daily Prophet about a new international wizarding camp for fourth through sixth years. We didn't think we'd get to go, but just today Dad managed to get free passes for George, Fred and me! I've sent an owl to Hermione as well. It starts in two days, though, so there won't be enough time for this to get to you and then back, so we'll swing by two days from now, early morning to see if you can go. Dad's going to borrow a car form the Ministry, so we'll use that instead of Floo powder, considering to disaster of last time. See you soon! Ron Weasley P.S. I sent Pig on with the rest of your letters so Hedwig could come straight back to you and she wouldn't have to worry about the finding the camp. I'm not sure where it is. I hope he makes it all the way to Sirius.
Hedwig looked slightly miffed at this questioning of her abilities. Harry stroked her absent-mindedly and turned back to the letter.
PPS The brochure is included.
Harry looked at the second piece of paper, which had been rolled inside the letter, with excitement growing in his stomach. It showed pictures of young wizards and witches floating in boats, splashing in a lake, playing Quiddich and sitting around a campfire. The description explained that they would do many muggle things but they would also be able to play Quiddich and take workshops about wizarding topics. The camp had also gotten a license, so they would be able to do small magic while in camp. They would sleep in rustic cabins and eat together in a mess hall. At the end they would be taken to Diagon Alley to get supplies, then right to Kings Cross Station, where their parents could go to see them off. Harry felt like he could fly without a broomstick, he was so happy. But then he was something that made him come, thump, back to earth. The cost. How was he supposed to find the money? In the letter it sounded like they were planning to go straight to the camp after coming to Harry's house. Harry couldn't take the chance that there would be enough time to run to London. Unless he could think of another was of getting the money, Harry wouldn't be able to go. The Dursleys weren't even an option. Even if they were willing to give him the money, about 150 pounds in Muggle money, which they most definitely weren't, it still would be in Muggle money, which the camp wouldn't accept. He had a few knuts lying around, but of course, that wasn't nearly enough. Then Harry had an idea. Last summer he and Ron had been idly talking about ways of wizard and muggle transportation. Ron laughed as Harry told him about some of the stranger things muggles had thought up to move around.
"Jet packs!?!" Ron exclaimed. "Well, not very many have them, but they are on television a lot." Harry explained, laughing. "Wait a minute." Ron said suddenly. "What would happen, I mean, you're always telling us about how bad your Aunt and Uncle are, and what if they did something and you had to get out of there fast?" "They wouldn't.." Harry started. "But just what if? You don't have any way of getting away do you?" "Well there's the Knight Bus." Harry said. "You know what, you take this." Ron said, digging into his chest and taking a bag out. "I know you hate the stuff, but just in case." Harry took the bag and looked inside. "Floo powder!" he exclaimed. "Mum gave it to me in case of emergencies, but I don't need it. You take it. Just take it!" he exclaimed as Harry started to protest.
Harry had taken it, shoved it in his trunk and not thought of it until now. He rolled off the bed and pulled his trunk out from under it. He opened it and started taking things out. His books, robes and other knick- knacks piled on top of each other. As he got down to the bottom all that was left were crumpled papers, broken quills, and dirt. Suddenly he noticed silver dust on one of the papers and froze. If it had all spilt, his hopes would all fly away. He carefully removed the remaining junk and breathed a heart felt sigh of relief as he saw a half filled bag lying on its side. Harry tipped it up and stood. In an amazing stroke of luck, the Dursleys were planning to go out to shop for Dudley in an hour or so. When they had told him at breakfast he had barely raised an eyebrow, but now he could've kissed them.well not quite, but he could've written them a nice note. Harry jumped around the room, finding his bank number and key, setting out wizard clothes so wouldn't look strange and starting to pack. When Uncle Vernon finally yelled through the door, "We're leaving!" he merely said "bye". When he was sure they were gone, Harry changed and ran downstairs. He pried away a board blocking the real fireplace. He crept in the hole. He hoped the fire didn't have to be too big; he only had a few sticks of wood. He lit them, threw on some of the powder and stepped in. "Diagon Alley" he said clearly and off he went.
~o~
To: Board of Directors: Camp Lumos From: Minister of Magic, C. Fudge Subject: Camp Lumos CC: All involved w/ Camp Lumos May 22
The idea of Camp Lumos as a place for our young people to relax has met my approval. I am convinced that teenage wizards and witches these days are much too serious, resulting in complex imaginary lives which, eventually they are convinced are real. A structured way for them to relax is greatly needed. I am especially concerned about Harry Potter. His fame at a young age, added to the trauma of the recent Tri-Wizard Tournament seems to have made his situation even worse than most. Hopefully if he is surrounded by friends in a non-academic setting he will let go of his belief that He-who-must-not-be-named has returned. It is my belief that because of his early defeat of He-who-must-not-be-named, Mr. Potter believes himself to be indestructible and so, wants even more fame by defeating Him yet again. He has other problems, even believing that Sirius Black, the convicted murderer to be innocent. I would ask that the Camp Lumos employees would watch Mr. Potter carefully, while trying to avoid mentioning anything that might upset him. I might even consider placing someone from Observation at the camp to watch over things. I would also like to be there to welcome the campers to Camp Lumos. A ribbon cutting perhaps? The construction can begin immediately. Signed, C. Fudge, Minister of Magic P.S. Any means can be used to get Mr. Potter to camp. Perhaps give him or one of his friends discounted prices or even free passes.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all characters associated with him do not belong to me. They belong to the wonderful J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros. I own nothing but the plot, and much of that is based on Camp Manitou owned by the YMCA organization. "Formatting" ideas come from the wonderful book Hidden Talents by David Lubar.
A/N: Here it is, my first stab into the realm of Harry Potter fan fiction. Happy reading!
One day at Number 4 Privet drive, Harry Potter lay on his bed, daydreaming. He was bored. He had nothing at all to do. His summer homework was done, and he had just written letters to all his friends in the wizarding world two days ago. Hedwig was off delivering them right now. She had seemed glad to have a reason to get away from the house; this summer had been extremely dull, making it almost worse than the previous four. This was quite bad, considering the letters from Hogwarts, then Dobby's warning, the pudding and being locked in his room. Then there was blowing up Aunt Marge and running away, and the next summer, the dream and his scar hurting. Each time though, he had found a way out, or one had come to him. This summer seemed endless, and he still had more than a month until school would start on September 1. But one of the worst things of the summer was Cedric Digory's death hanging over his head and the constant worry of Voldemort coming to kill him. Harry had no one to talk to of his guilt, sadness and worry. If he mentioned anything about his real life in this house, the quiet boredom would explode and it would all end in even greater misery for Harry. Because of this, Harry had been almost mute all summer, staying in his room most of the time. He just didn't see the point anymore of fighting with his relatives. It wouldn't get him anywhere. As he lay on his bed, thinking these depressing thoughts, he stared out the window. There was an oddly shaped object moving towards him and he idly wondered what it was. Suddenly he realized what he was staring at and jumped up. It was Hedwig! Harry rushed over to the window and threw it open letting fresh air into the room along with the owl. She flew around the room once, then landed on the desk. "Why are you back so soon? Is something wrong? You couldn't have gotten all the way to Sirius and back by now could you? You're only been gone for a day! Is he closer now? Why would he be coming back? Is it Ron or Hermione? What is it Hedwig?" To this rampage, Hedwig merely pointed with her beak to the letter tied to her leg. Harry quickly undid it and started to read.
Harry! How are you? You are never going to believe this! We got a brochure the other day in the Daily Prophet about a new international wizarding camp for fourth through sixth years. We didn't think we'd get to go, but just today Dad managed to get free passes for George, Fred and me! I've sent an owl to Hermione as well. It starts in two days, though, so there won't be enough time for this to get to you and then back, so we'll swing by two days from now, early morning to see if you can go. Dad's going to borrow a car form the Ministry, so we'll use that instead of Floo powder, considering to disaster of last time. See you soon! Ron Weasley P.S. I sent Pig on with the rest of your letters so Hedwig could come straight back to you and she wouldn't have to worry about the finding the camp. I'm not sure where it is. I hope he makes it all the way to Sirius.
Hedwig looked slightly miffed at this questioning of her abilities. Harry stroked her absent-mindedly and turned back to the letter.
PPS The brochure is included.
Harry looked at the second piece of paper, which had been rolled inside the letter, with excitement growing in his stomach. It showed pictures of young wizards and witches floating in boats, splashing in a lake, playing Quiddich and sitting around a campfire. The description explained that they would do many muggle things but they would also be able to play Quiddich and take workshops about wizarding topics. The camp had also gotten a license, so they would be able to do small magic while in camp. They would sleep in rustic cabins and eat together in a mess hall. At the end they would be taken to Diagon Alley to get supplies, then right to Kings Cross Station, where their parents could go to see them off. Harry felt like he could fly without a broomstick, he was so happy. But then he was something that made him come, thump, back to earth. The cost. How was he supposed to find the money? In the letter it sounded like they were planning to go straight to the camp after coming to Harry's house. Harry couldn't take the chance that there would be enough time to run to London. Unless he could think of another was of getting the money, Harry wouldn't be able to go. The Dursleys weren't even an option. Even if they were willing to give him the money, about 150 pounds in Muggle money, which they most definitely weren't, it still would be in Muggle money, which the camp wouldn't accept. He had a few knuts lying around, but of course, that wasn't nearly enough. Then Harry had an idea. Last summer he and Ron had been idly talking about ways of wizard and muggle transportation. Ron laughed as Harry told him about some of the stranger things muggles had thought up to move around.
"Jet packs!?!" Ron exclaimed. "Well, not very many have them, but they are on television a lot." Harry explained, laughing. "Wait a minute." Ron said suddenly. "What would happen, I mean, you're always telling us about how bad your Aunt and Uncle are, and what if they did something and you had to get out of there fast?" "They wouldn't.." Harry started. "But just what if? You don't have any way of getting away do you?" "Well there's the Knight Bus." Harry said. "You know what, you take this." Ron said, digging into his chest and taking a bag out. "I know you hate the stuff, but just in case." Harry took the bag and looked inside. "Floo powder!" he exclaimed. "Mum gave it to me in case of emergencies, but I don't need it. You take it. Just take it!" he exclaimed as Harry started to protest.
Harry had taken it, shoved it in his trunk and not thought of it until now. He rolled off the bed and pulled his trunk out from under it. He opened it and started taking things out. His books, robes and other knick- knacks piled on top of each other. As he got down to the bottom all that was left were crumpled papers, broken quills, and dirt. Suddenly he noticed silver dust on one of the papers and froze. If it had all spilt, his hopes would all fly away. He carefully removed the remaining junk and breathed a heart felt sigh of relief as he saw a half filled bag lying on its side. Harry tipped it up and stood. In an amazing stroke of luck, the Dursleys were planning to go out to shop for Dudley in an hour or so. When they had told him at breakfast he had barely raised an eyebrow, but now he could've kissed them.well not quite, but he could've written them a nice note. Harry jumped around the room, finding his bank number and key, setting out wizard clothes so wouldn't look strange and starting to pack. When Uncle Vernon finally yelled through the door, "We're leaving!" he merely said "bye". When he was sure they were gone, Harry changed and ran downstairs. He pried away a board blocking the real fireplace. He crept in the hole. He hoped the fire didn't have to be too big; he only had a few sticks of wood. He lit them, threw on some of the powder and stepped in. "Diagon Alley" he said clearly and off he went.
~o~
To: Board of Directors: Camp Lumos From: Minister of Magic, C. Fudge Subject: Camp Lumos CC: All involved w/ Camp Lumos May 22
The idea of Camp Lumos as a place for our young people to relax has met my approval. I am convinced that teenage wizards and witches these days are much too serious, resulting in complex imaginary lives which, eventually they are convinced are real. A structured way for them to relax is greatly needed. I am especially concerned about Harry Potter. His fame at a young age, added to the trauma of the recent Tri-Wizard Tournament seems to have made his situation even worse than most. Hopefully if he is surrounded by friends in a non-academic setting he will let go of his belief that He-who-must-not-be-named has returned. It is my belief that because of his early defeat of He-who-must-not-be-named, Mr. Potter believes himself to be indestructible and so, wants even more fame by defeating Him yet again. He has other problems, even believing that Sirius Black, the convicted murderer to be innocent. I would ask that the Camp Lumos employees would watch Mr. Potter carefully, while trying to avoid mentioning anything that might upset him. I might even consider placing someone from Observation at the camp to watch over things. I would also like to be there to welcome the campers to Camp Lumos. A ribbon cutting perhaps? The construction can begin immediately. Signed, C. Fudge, Minister of Magic P.S. Any means can be used to get Mr. Potter to camp. Perhaps give him or one of his friends discounted prices or even free passes.