Chapter 1- Voldemort's Appearance
A dark night had fallen over Privet Drive. It seemed as though everything was frozen in time. There was no sound, no movement. A cool breeze swept silently through the empty yards. Only at a window, a light was still on. And there, sitting on a chair was Harry Potter. Near his elbow, Hedwig was asleep in her cage.
One month had passed since Voldemort's return to power…one month since he had left Hogwarts. In that time, no strange happening had bothered the Dursley house. Harry had expected something to happen in the first week. He couldn't sleep or rest, he was always looking out the window, searching for some sign of magical activity. But the most unusual thing he was able to notice, was a scratch on uncle Vernon's company car. Of course, he wasn't the only one to notice it, but he did feel it, when he was accused of
Harry was thinking. He had the strange sensation that something big was about to happen. He couldn't sleep. He looked at the watch on his bedside table. It showed 11.45. In about 15 minutes he was going to be 15. The thought cheered him up a bit. He stood up and walked towards a little mirror. He was taller that last year. His voice had started to get thicker. His face had a more mature expression after the events that had taken place at Hogwarts last year. He looked at the watch. 11.59. Slowly, time crawled. Harry's heart began to beat faster as the seconds passed. He felt pressure pressing against his head, his body...His arms were suddenly so heavy that he could barely hold them. And then it was 12. The window opened with a loud bang and fresh air came into the room, hitting Harry in the face. And then, his scar began to hurt worse that it had ever hurt before. Harry fell to his knees and clutched his forehead. The pain was blinding him. A thought crossed his mind "Why?"... And then it stopped. The cool breeze touched Harry's cheek. Slowly he opened his eyes and got to his feet. He stood there for a minute listening. But the bang didn't wake the Dursleys up. Harry walked slowly towards the window and looked out in the cold night. Privet Drive was silent. But suddenly something moved. And Harry saw a shape taking form into the night. It was a man. He wore a black robe and cloak, and had his hood over his head. In his right hand he held a wand. Slowly the hooded man glided towards the Dursleys house. With every step, Harry's heart was beating faster. The man suddenly stopped. He seemed to concentrate for a minute that seemed like an eternity and then he looked up at Harry. The scar began to hurt again. Even through the blinding pain Harry recognized who the man was. The red eyes, the slits instead of nostrils...It was Lord Voldemort.
Fear swept over Harry like a cold wind. Drops of sweat appeared on his forehead. He forgot the pain, the only thing he knew at this moment was that Lord Voldemort was on the street looking at him. He wanted to get away from the window, he wanted to get his wand, but he just stood there thunderstruck. Moments passed and nothing happened. After what seemed like an eternity, Harry realized that Voldemort is looking straight through him. But why? Suddenly, Harry's attention was attracted by a strange group. He didn't know what it was at the beginning but then, 5 owls took shape on the dark sky. Harry looked at Voldemort. He had seen them too and was eyeing them with suspicion. "Faster!" Harry thought. "Before Voldemort gets any ideas!" He looked at the owls again and then noticed that Voldemort had raised his wand. Carried by the wind the word "Accio" spoken in a high pitched voice reached Harry's ear. And then he saw the owls speeding unwillingly towards Voldemort. "NO!" he thought! He jumped after his wand. But then he realized that using his wand wasn't going to help...Even worse, Voldemort might see him. The owls were nearly there. Harry saw Pig fluttering madly to release himself from Voldemort's spell. "No, stop, come here!!!" Harry thought and he found himself concentrating hard on the owls. He wished they'd stop, he wished they'd come to him, to him, come to him! And the owls began to loose speed. Voldemort was taken aback by this. His eyes narrowed until they became only two thin lines on his face. And then the owls began to speed towards Harry's window. Harry didn't realize this until they were all safe in his room. Voldemort was suddenly whiter than usual. And then he whispered:- It started. I have little time left...
Harry heard the words clearly. He wondered what had started. And then he saw Voldemort disapparate. The street was silent again...
For a few moments, the only thing Harry could hear was his own breath. And then shapes began to apparate in front of the Dursley's house. Soon, 6 or 7 wizards were patrolling up and down privet drive. Some looked up at Harry's window but they all seemed to be unable to see him. Harry had fallen into some kind of paralysis. He couldn't move a muscle and he didn't want to. Suddenly a big, white owl swooshed past him, and headed towards the moon. Harry accompanied her with his eyes and then he jumped as a familiar voice growled behind him:
- All right there, Potter?
Harry turned around. And there, standing on his wooden leg, his magic eye spinning madly into it's socket and a little flask in his hand was Mad-Eye Moody. He looked exactly like the Moody Harry had met at Hogwarts last year, only this time the scarred man standing in front of him was the real Mad-Eye Moody. Moody's magic eye stopped for a brief moment over Harry's presents.
- Professor Moody...How...Why...Voldemort...
- Yes, Potter, the Dark Lord was here.
- But...he could not see me! He did nothing! And then the owls came...and i just...
- Do you really think Dumbledore would've sent you here without protection? This house and this whole area is under the influence of a very powerful charm called...
- Fidelius Charm? But if this place is under...then...Professor Moody...Who's the secret-keeper?
- I should've known you are familiar with this charm...After all... Anyway, i'm not sure i should tell you who the secret-keeper is but i assure you, he is the most "qualified" person for the job!
- That means...it must be Dumbledore! Professor Dumbledore is my secret keeper!?!
- Sharp mind, Potter! Have you ever considered a career as an Auror?
Harry smiled. Moody had already told him that last year but the one who was saying it was in fact Barty Crouch...
- Enough with this, Potter! You have to rest! Here, drink this. It will make you feel better.
Moody handed him the flask. It contained a reddish liquid. As he opened it a thin red smoke came out that smelled like strawberries. Harry drank it, and he suddenly felt warm, and calm as he had never been before. He relaxed and a smile spread across his face.
- That's better!, Moody growled, And now you go and open your presents. I'm sure you'll enjoy the one Mr. Sirius Black sent to you...Happy birthday!
Moody disapparated with a faint *pop* and Harry was alone again...
Slowly, all owls swooshed past him, except Hedwig, who came and gave him an affectionate nip on the ear. Harry sat on his bed and picked up a small letter containing all the things he needed for Hogwarts and a small note from professor McGonnagle. Harry was surprised to find out that he needed his dress robes again. Then he read the note:
" Mr. Harry Potter
Due to the events that have taken place at Hogwarts last year, professor Dumbledore has assigned me the duty of bringing you safe to Hogwarts. As such, on the day of the departure i will arrive at your house and escort you personally to Kings Cross station. Please inform your tutors of this decision.
Minerva McGonnagle"
Harry thought for a moment and tried to imagine the faces the Dursleys will make when he'll tell them. Then, his eyes fell on a big package wrapped in some sort of pelt. He opened it carefully and smiled as he recognized Hagrid's writing on a big birthday cake. There was also a note that read:" Happy Birthday Harry!!! How are you? Me and Olive have succeded in our mission and are now heading towards Hogwarts. Can't wait to meet you there!
Hagrid"
Harry smiled as he put away the cake...He knew Hagrid wasn't much of a cook, so he thought of donating it to Dudley... He was still on a diet and had even lost a few pounds, but he still had a long way to go in order to recover from the past 14 years of overfeeding... There were now only three packages left...The most important ones. Harry grabbed a square-shaped one and opened it. It contained a pair of Superstars and a note with Ron's handwriting on it:
"Happy Birthday Harry!
Hope you're fine! Dad confiscated these from a family of Muggles. They are enchanted with a haste spell! A guy crashed through a wall when he tried to run...Dad had to work over time for a week to repair all the damadge...So be carefull!!!
Ron"
Harry smiled and tried the Superstars on. It felt like he was standing on a cloud, and he could feel an urge to run... But there was no time for that. He took the Superstars off and opened a large package. It was from Sirius and Lupin. The note within said:
"Hello Harry and Happy Birthday!
First of all I want to assure you that Snuffles is OK. He's been here with me for the past week. Dumbledore has the situation under control, even though Voldemort has taken control over Azkhaban. Of course the ministry is keeping that secret but people already began to notice that things aren't right. I believe you've been told about the Fidelius Charm that has been cast upon you so I won't insist on telling you that you're perfectly safe. I hope you'll like what we've got for you...But be careful! It's much more difficult to handle than a broomstick!
Moony"
Near Lupin's signature Sirius had pressed a muddy paw. Harry smiled again and felt happier then ever. He opened the wrapped present and found himself face to face with a skateboard. On it's back the skull of a bird grinned at him standing on the word "Birdhouse". Harry felt an urge to get out on the street and try the board. But then he remembered Voldemort and decided to leave it for another time. The last present was from Hermione. She had used Victor Krum's owl. Harry had already received several letters from her and he knew she was in Bulgaria visiting Victor. Ron wasn't happy about this... The present was a beautiful book called "The Mind Diary". It's cover was made of some sort of soft material encrusted with gold and silver. Harry opened the letter that bared Hermione's writing on it. It read:
"Happy Birthday Harry!
I'm writing this letter from my own desk in my own home. I'm back. Victor is a great guy, but I discovered he's not the one for me...I hope Ron will start answering to my letters now.... Stupid me...This is your birthday card! I shouldn't bring these things up in here... Anyway, i hope you'll like what i bought for you. It's a diary! But you don't write in it yourself. It will write down your most secret and unspoken thoughts for you, and you are the only one who will be able to read what's written in there. That be told, i'll meet you at Kings Cross in a few days,
Love, Hermione"
Harry felt a strange sensation deep in his stomach. He remembered Hermione as she was at the Yule Ball. And a strange thought floated through his mind for a moment:" Me and Hermione..." Harry smiled and chased the thought away. Then he put all the presents away and got into bed. Silence filled his room again. Slowly he reached for the diary and opened it. There was nothing written in it. But not for long. Suddenly, letters began to form in Harry's handwriting. And strange enough, the formed a sentence Harry didn't expect:" Oh, how I wish Hermione was here with me...".
Half an hour later, Harry was asleep. He had pushed the diary under his bed. In the darkness of the room a man appeared. He had some kind of bird on his shoulder. The man approached Harry's bed and a ray of moonlight touched his face. He was old. His silver hair and beard were shining brightly.
- Harry, he muttered, dark times are ahead. The transformation started. Now, more than ever, you must be brave. It's all up to you now..." The man turned his back to Harry. Slowly he stepped towards the door and then suddenly Albus Dumbledore disapparated from Harry's room...
A dark night had fallen over Privet Drive. It seemed as though everything was frozen in time. There was no sound, no movement. A cool breeze swept silently through the empty yards. Only at a window, a light was still on. And there, sitting on a chair was Harry Potter. Near his elbow, Hedwig was asleep in her cage.
One month had passed since Voldemort's return to power…one month since he had left Hogwarts. In that time, no strange happening had bothered the Dursley house. Harry had expected something to happen in the first week. He couldn't sleep or rest, he was always looking out the window, searching for some sign of magical activity. But the most unusual thing he was able to notice, was a scratch on uncle Vernon's company car. Of course, he wasn't the only one to notice it, but he did feel it, when he was accused of
Harry was thinking. He had the strange sensation that something big was about to happen. He couldn't sleep. He looked at the watch on his bedside table. It showed 11.45. In about 15 minutes he was going to be 15. The thought cheered him up a bit. He stood up and walked towards a little mirror. He was taller that last year. His voice had started to get thicker. His face had a more mature expression after the events that had taken place at Hogwarts last year. He looked at the watch. 11.59. Slowly, time crawled. Harry's heart began to beat faster as the seconds passed. He felt pressure pressing against his head, his body...His arms were suddenly so heavy that he could barely hold them. And then it was 12. The window opened with a loud bang and fresh air came into the room, hitting Harry in the face. And then, his scar began to hurt worse that it had ever hurt before. Harry fell to his knees and clutched his forehead. The pain was blinding him. A thought crossed his mind "Why?"... And then it stopped. The cool breeze touched Harry's cheek. Slowly he opened his eyes and got to his feet. He stood there for a minute listening. But the bang didn't wake the Dursleys up. Harry walked slowly towards the window and looked out in the cold night. Privet Drive was silent. But suddenly something moved. And Harry saw a shape taking form into the night. It was a man. He wore a black robe and cloak, and had his hood over his head. In his right hand he held a wand. Slowly the hooded man glided towards the Dursleys house. With every step, Harry's heart was beating faster. The man suddenly stopped. He seemed to concentrate for a minute that seemed like an eternity and then he looked up at Harry. The scar began to hurt again. Even through the blinding pain Harry recognized who the man was. The red eyes, the slits instead of nostrils...It was Lord Voldemort.
Fear swept over Harry like a cold wind. Drops of sweat appeared on his forehead. He forgot the pain, the only thing he knew at this moment was that Lord Voldemort was on the street looking at him. He wanted to get away from the window, he wanted to get his wand, but he just stood there thunderstruck. Moments passed and nothing happened. After what seemed like an eternity, Harry realized that Voldemort is looking straight through him. But why? Suddenly, Harry's attention was attracted by a strange group. He didn't know what it was at the beginning but then, 5 owls took shape on the dark sky. Harry looked at Voldemort. He had seen them too and was eyeing them with suspicion. "Faster!" Harry thought. "Before Voldemort gets any ideas!" He looked at the owls again and then noticed that Voldemort had raised his wand. Carried by the wind the word "Accio" spoken in a high pitched voice reached Harry's ear. And then he saw the owls speeding unwillingly towards Voldemort. "NO!" he thought! He jumped after his wand. But then he realized that using his wand wasn't going to help...Even worse, Voldemort might see him. The owls were nearly there. Harry saw Pig fluttering madly to release himself from Voldemort's spell. "No, stop, come here!!!" Harry thought and he found himself concentrating hard on the owls. He wished they'd stop, he wished they'd come to him, to him, come to him! And the owls began to loose speed. Voldemort was taken aback by this. His eyes narrowed until they became only two thin lines on his face. And then the owls began to speed towards Harry's window. Harry didn't realize this until they were all safe in his room. Voldemort was suddenly whiter than usual. And then he whispered:- It started. I have little time left...
Harry heard the words clearly. He wondered what had started. And then he saw Voldemort disapparate. The street was silent again...
For a few moments, the only thing Harry could hear was his own breath. And then shapes began to apparate in front of the Dursley's house. Soon, 6 or 7 wizards were patrolling up and down privet drive. Some looked up at Harry's window but they all seemed to be unable to see him. Harry had fallen into some kind of paralysis. He couldn't move a muscle and he didn't want to. Suddenly a big, white owl swooshed past him, and headed towards the moon. Harry accompanied her with his eyes and then he jumped as a familiar voice growled behind him:
- All right there, Potter?
Harry turned around. And there, standing on his wooden leg, his magic eye spinning madly into it's socket and a little flask in his hand was Mad-Eye Moody. He looked exactly like the Moody Harry had met at Hogwarts last year, only this time the scarred man standing in front of him was the real Mad-Eye Moody. Moody's magic eye stopped for a brief moment over Harry's presents.
- Professor Moody...How...Why...Voldemort...
- Yes, Potter, the Dark Lord was here.
- But...he could not see me! He did nothing! And then the owls came...and i just...
- Do you really think Dumbledore would've sent you here without protection? This house and this whole area is under the influence of a very powerful charm called...
- Fidelius Charm? But if this place is under...then...Professor Moody...Who's the secret-keeper?
- I should've known you are familiar with this charm...After all... Anyway, i'm not sure i should tell you who the secret-keeper is but i assure you, he is the most "qualified" person for the job!
- That means...it must be Dumbledore! Professor Dumbledore is my secret keeper!?!
- Sharp mind, Potter! Have you ever considered a career as an Auror?
Harry smiled. Moody had already told him that last year but the one who was saying it was in fact Barty Crouch...
- Enough with this, Potter! You have to rest! Here, drink this. It will make you feel better.
Moody handed him the flask. It contained a reddish liquid. As he opened it a thin red smoke came out that smelled like strawberries. Harry drank it, and he suddenly felt warm, and calm as he had never been before. He relaxed and a smile spread across his face.
- That's better!, Moody growled, And now you go and open your presents. I'm sure you'll enjoy the one Mr. Sirius Black sent to you...Happy birthday!
Moody disapparated with a faint *pop* and Harry was alone again...
Slowly, all owls swooshed past him, except Hedwig, who came and gave him an affectionate nip on the ear. Harry sat on his bed and picked up a small letter containing all the things he needed for Hogwarts and a small note from professor McGonnagle. Harry was surprised to find out that he needed his dress robes again. Then he read the note:
" Mr. Harry Potter
Due to the events that have taken place at Hogwarts last year, professor Dumbledore has assigned me the duty of bringing you safe to Hogwarts. As such, on the day of the departure i will arrive at your house and escort you personally to Kings Cross station. Please inform your tutors of this decision.
Minerva McGonnagle"
Harry thought for a moment and tried to imagine the faces the Dursleys will make when he'll tell them. Then, his eyes fell on a big package wrapped in some sort of pelt. He opened it carefully and smiled as he recognized Hagrid's writing on a big birthday cake. There was also a note that read:" Happy Birthday Harry!!! How are you? Me and Olive have succeded in our mission and are now heading towards Hogwarts. Can't wait to meet you there!
Hagrid"
Harry smiled as he put away the cake...He knew Hagrid wasn't much of a cook, so he thought of donating it to Dudley... He was still on a diet and had even lost a few pounds, but he still had a long way to go in order to recover from the past 14 years of overfeeding... There were now only three packages left...The most important ones. Harry grabbed a square-shaped one and opened it. It contained a pair of Superstars and a note with Ron's handwriting on it:
"Happy Birthday Harry!
Hope you're fine! Dad confiscated these from a family of Muggles. They are enchanted with a haste spell! A guy crashed through a wall when he tried to run...Dad had to work over time for a week to repair all the damadge...So be carefull!!!
Ron"
Harry smiled and tried the Superstars on. It felt like he was standing on a cloud, and he could feel an urge to run... But there was no time for that. He took the Superstars off and opened a large package. It was from Sirius and Lupin. The note within said:
"Hello Harry and Happy Birthday!
First of all I want to assure you that Snuffles is OK. He's been here with me for the past week. Dumbledore has the situation under control, even though Voldemort has taken control over Azkhaban. Of course the ministry is keeping that secret but people already began to notice that things aren't right. I believe you've been told about the Fidelius Charm that has been cast upon you so I won't insist on telling you that you're perfectly safe. I hope you'll like what we've got for you...But be careful! It's much more difficult to handle than a broomstick!
Moony"
Near Lupin's signature Sirius had pressed a muddy paw. Harry smiled again and felt happier then ever. He opened the wrapped present and found himself face to face with a skateboard. On it's back the skull of a bird grinned at him standing on the word "Birdhouse". Harry felt an urge to get out on the street and try the board. But then he remembered Voldemort and decided to leave it for another time. The last present was from Hermione. She had used Victor Krum's owl. Harry had already received several letters from her and he knew she was in Bulgaria visiting Victor. Ron wasn't happy about this... The present was a beautiful book called "The Mind Diary". It's cover was made of some sort of soft material encrusted with gold and silver. Harry opened the letter that bared Hermione's writing on it. It read:
"Happy Birthday Harry!
I'm writing this letter from my own desk in my own home. I'm back. Victor is a great guy, but I discovered he's not the one for me...I hope Ron will start answering to my letters now.... Stupid me...This is your birthday card! I shouldn't bring these things up in here... Anyway, i hope you'll like what i bought for you. It's a diary! But you don't write in it yourself. It will write down your most secret and unspoken thoughts for you, and you are the only one who will be able to read what's written in there. That be told, i'll meet you at Kings Cross in a few days,
Love, Hermione"
Harry felt a strange sensation deep in his stomach. He remembered Hermione as she was at the Yule Ball. And a strange thought floated through his mind for a moment:" Me and Hermione..." Harry smiled and chased the thought away. Then he put all the presents away and got into bed. Silence filled his room again. Slowly he reached for the diary and opened it. There was nothing written in it. But not for long. Suddenly, letters began to form in Harry's handwriting. And strange enough, the formed a sentence Harry didn't expect:" Oh, how I wish Hermione was here with me...".
Half an hour later, Harry was asleep. He had pushed the diary under his bed. In the darkness of the room a man appeared. He had some kind of bird on his shoulder. The man approached Harry's bed and a ray of moonlight touched his face. He was old. His silver hair and beard were shining brightly.
- Harry, he muttered, dark times are ahead. The transformation started. Now, more than ever, you must be brave. It's all up to you now..." The man turned his back to Harry. Slowly he stepped towards the door and then suddenly Albus Dumbledore disapparated from Harry's room...