Chapter 1: An Odd Book
A/N: I don't own a thing fiction-wise, thank god I own this laptop though to write fan-fiction of things I don't own! While we will diverge from canon slowly at first, it is of course my duty as an author to inform the reader that some questions that arise as to the differences will be somewhat easier to answer, and some may take more information. Happy Reading!
It was Dudley's Birthday and Harry still couldn't believe his luck to go to the zoo with Dudley and Piers. Uncle Vernon as usual was driving the car and complaining loudly about whatever topic was on his mind. This morning, it was motorcycles, Harry was about to comment when Aunt Petunia pointed out a building. "There, we need to stop there quickly," She said. Harry, Dudley and Piers looked over in surprise as Uncle Vernon turned into a nearby Public Parking lot. "Wha-What are we doing here! I want to go to the zoo!" Dudley Expressed, halfway between his normally whining tone trying to be more mature in front of Piers. "We'll go right to the zoo after we run a short errand. I have to return this to that store." Aunt Petunia said, holding what looked to be like a package holding a book...
A book? Wondered Harry, he had never seen that around the house. "I have to pick something up from work, a specialty item for the boss, it'll only take a few moments. Maybe we can find something for you if you'd like." Dudley grumbled as they unbuckled and left the car. Harry looked at the building and was even more surprised to find that it was an old bookstore. He stayed as inconspicuous as he stayed behind the group as he knew it would be mere seconds before Dudley and Piers tracked him down in the tiny store to hurt him.
As they entered the musty store, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia walked up to the counter to take care of whatever business they had to take care of. Harry quickly ducked down the aisles of tall bookshelves heading for obscure places to stay out of sight. He wasn't exactly sure what section he was in but the books here were marvelously old but well taken care of. Harry took a chance at relaxing and breathing as he looked at the books. One nestled inbetween "David Copperfield" and "Enquire Within Upon Everything" was simply blank with no clues as to title or author. It was this one in particular that called out to Harry.
Harry took the book from the bookshelf and felt a sudden warmth spread throughout him. He cracked open the book to a random page, he knew he'd only have a few glimpses at the most to see what a real book would be like. There was a bizarre language on the page that looked like it had been inked in recently. As Harry looked over the weirdness of it all, the text began to take shape. Harry almost dropped the book in surprise as the script shifted into his mind. An idea took shape easily in his mind, if he concentrated and spoke the right words he could make a inscribe a personal mark on anything and have it visible to all or none but him. The idea burned within him, he wanted to say the words... Sibru Incanterous Arcanus ... So easy, just a few gestures of what he wanted to draw and where. But no, not now, not here.
"Boy! We're done here! Come now before we have to come find you!" Uncle Vernon's voice rang out clear across the shop. Harry quickly put the book back and found The Dursleys at the front of the store. Aunt Petunia was looking a bit perturbed but Uncle Vernon was looking at him, waiting for him. Harry quickly joined them, and politely said no thanks when asked if he had any books to buy. The Dursleys piled back into the car. As they drove off to the zoo, Harry wondered if he would ever get a chance to see that book again... Sibru Incanterous Arcanus... If that was the effect of a few words on a page... To see what else lay within!
"Go – cupboard – stay – no meals," Uncle Vernon croaked before collapsing into his chair. Harry ran to his cupboard. He had no idea what had happened at the zoo, a snake talking and being freed. He wondered if that was the power of the book or if it was just a continuation of things like him ending up on the roof. As he settled in for a long night, he noticed a new addition to his cupboard. Squirreled away in a dark corner was some sort of rectangular lump. As he picked it up, he knew instantly what it was. The book from the store was in his hands.