Disclaimer: The only thing I own is the story. I'm not making any money from this.
Author Notes: As I said in the summary, this fic is SLASH/YAOI, aka Homosexual relationships. If you are a homophobe or this is not your cup of tea, please leave and don't fill my mail inbox with flames. The story follows the books till OotP, from then on is AU. HBP never happens here.
Awakenings.
Chapter 1
He sat up startled, there was a noise coming from his window. The old bars his uncle had put in his second year were not there anymore, it seemed that Dumbledore had seen to that, or that he thought. Harry looked up to see a small owl tapping on the window and he quickly raised his hand to open it, thinking it was a letter from Ron. But the bird was not Ron's owl, this one was all black and much more calm.
The small bird stood on his desk and extended his leg; Harry took the letter from it and before he could even blink the bird had flown away. He raised an eyebrow but didn't stop to think too much about it. He tore the envelope open and took the letter out, the ink was a light shade of purple and it didn't seem to be written with a quill, this was written with a muggle pen.
Harry,
You don't know me, and you probably never will but it is of extreme importance that you take this information seriously. Soon, your world will change completely, and you will have to take the place that you were born to.
War is near, but not the war you think about, there's another. You must find those faithful to you and form what was once destroyed. You already used the power that is within you, a force the one once called Tom Riddle fears the most.
You might find foes among friends, and friends among those you thought were foes. Do not let your past experiences numb your mind, be ready for the most important change of your life.
One last thing, believe in the power of love Harry… Love is such an amazing thing, a power that not even magic can be compared to.
Sincerely yours,
D.M.
Harry looked at the letter with a frown, the only one he knew with those initials was Draco Malfoy, but there was no way he could write something like that to him. Besides, there said he didn't know the person and that he probably never would. He took the letter and folded it again putting it inside the envelope again.
What the hell was that about?!
He put the letter into his trunk and sat on his bed once again, now that he was awake he wouldn't go back to sleep again. It didn't matter really; he always got that weird dream about a place that seemed in ruins and a boy with green eyes. He somehow knew he was not the boy he dreamt about, but that he was somehow related to him. Other times he would dream about another boy, one of beautiful blue eyes and royal stance.
However, there was a problem with no sleeping, and it was that he would start thinking about his godfather. Sirius death had left a void inside, he had been the closest thing to a father he had ever had. He couldn't stop thinking that it had been his fault, that he could have prevented his death.
I'm so sorry Sirius… I should have known better than to believe that poor excuse of a house-elf you had… I should have known…
Dumbledore, as well as Hermione, Ron and others had told him it was not his fault, that he had no way to know that the elf was lying. But he wouldn't accept that, he would take the blame for his death no matter what other said. And he would take revenge; he swore he would make Lestrange pay for what she did.
He sighed and tightened his fists, and was grateful that whatever Dumbledore had told the Dursleys had worked. They wouldn't even dare to look at him, he could come and go and they wouldn't say a word. Harry didn't leave the house too much, only when the Dursleys were making too much noise or Dudley had some friends with him.
His birthday had been just the day before and he hadn't opened all the presents his friends had sent him, he didn't feel like celebrating anything anyway, so he hid them in his trunk. He walked towards trunk at the end of his bed and opened it; at least it was a way to keep busy till morning. Harry opened the lid and looked inside, there were all the gifts his friends had sent, he took the first one and opened the letter attached to it.
Harry,
I would like to be there with you, but dad says it's too dangerous to travel these days. I whish you a happy birthday, and I hope my gift cheers you up a little. I really would like to say more, but owl mail isn't safe anymore. Though there is something I can tell you, it seems that this year we will have decent defence classes again. It's not official, but I think Lupin will come back to the school.
Anyway, I hope to see you soon mate!
Ron.
Harry smiled and put the letter aside hoping Ron was right about Lupin. He tore open Ron's present and his smile grew wider, it was huge box of chocolates, there were frogs, normal bars, magical chocolates that changed colours each time you bite them. He took one frog and ate it quickly, closing the box with the rest of the bars and took another gift. It was Hermione's, smiling he opened the letter and read it.
Harry,
First, I wish you a happy birthday. I would like to know how you are, if you have been treated alright by your relatives. If not, just tell me and I'll show you some new tricks I learned when I visited the twins the other day (don't tell Ron ok?), you probably already know, but it seems that professor Lupin will come back this year. Personally I think that's great, having decent defence classes again. I hope you have been reading the Prophet, I know it has no news about attacks, but you never know and it is always better to be informed.
I hope you like this gift, for once is not about school.
Be careful and take care,
Love,
Hermione.
He supposed she would say something like that, and he had been reading the Prophet but as she said there was nothing. He was sure now that Lupin would be their teacher again, if Hermione knew about it then there was no doubt. He took the present and knew that it was a book, but as she said it was not about school. Greatest Quidditch Players of the last Century.
"Thanks Mione"
He put the book next to the box Ron had given him and got the next, it was from Hagrid. It had just a small note wishing him a nice birthday and hopes to see him soon. He knew Hagrid was busy working for the Order and taking care of the creatures at the school so he didn't mind his big friend saying so little. The gift where some more candy and a small box that had unicorn hair in it. He was really surprised, that was very expensive and even when he knew Hagrid just got it from the animals in the forest, he knew they meant a lot for the half-giant. He got a cake and another letter from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, they also wished him a nice birthday, but also said they missed him a lot and hoped to see him soon.
There was a box of jokes sent by the twins and he wasn't sure if he should open it. But, from all his gifts the one which affected him the most, came from Remus Lupin; he had sent him a book, with Sirius' name in one corner. The letter though, he didn't understand, the way he wrote about his godfather and the book, it seemed the werewolf was taking Sirius death even worst than him.
Harry,
I know I should say happy birthday, but I know it has not been happy for you, and I'm sorry. The book I'm giving to you, as you have probably already seen, once belonged to Sirius. He's giving it to you now, because you'll need it more than him. But I warn you Harry, be careful when using it, or he'll never forgive himself if something happens to you.
Please be careful, things have been too quiet and that's never a good sign. I'll try to contact you as soon as I can, but since the ministry incident things have been quite difficult for us. If anything unusual happens contact Dumbledore immediately.
Love,
Remus.
Remus talked about Sirius as if he were still alive, and that really worried him. Without him, Remus was completely alone now; all his friends had now gone forever. Harry felt really bad for him and didn't know how to help him. He only hoped Remus could deal better with his friend's death when he started teaching again, at least he would have something to keep his mind busy.
There was no letter from Dumbledore, and he wasn't really expecting one. After his discussion with the headmaster they would talk even less than before. Harry took the book and opened it, there were some words written in Sirius handwriting.
Harry,
If Remus gave this to you, it means that I didn't make it, I'm sorry I'm not there for you. This book has information about spells and incantations that you will never find in any other book at the school. Please be careful with it and use it wisely.
Love,
Sirius
He felt his stomach clench and like he was about to vomit. It just hurt too much to read those words, to know that Sirius was aware that he could die in any minute. Harry closed his eyes and breathed deeply, trying to calm down a bit. When he finally opened his eyes, he sighed and turned the page, there was nothing written, it had no title nor it had any index.
What kind of book doesn't have a title or at least an index!
He turned another page and there he found the answer, the book had instructions to use empowered spells, locking charms that were impossible to break, silence ones that wouldn't end unless the caster wanted it. He would read as fast as he could, but he stopped when he found why they said this book was so dangerous. It wasn't because the strength of the charms, it was because it had instructions to block the Ministry of knowing you used your wand. So you could do whatever you wanted to and they would never know.
Of course, trust Sirius to have something like this…
He sighed and closed the book, placed it on the bed next to him and closed his eyes. He missed his godfather, wished he could have spent more time with him. He had escaped Azkaban just to die three years after that, and it was his own stupidity which had caused that. Tears escaped his closed eyes and he clenched his hands over his arms, he wanted him back.
But that can't be, he's dead and it's my fault.
When he opened his eyes again he noticed the sun had finally appeared at the horizon, another day started, another day with nothing to do. He put his things back inside his trunk and closed it, the only thing left out was the book. He still had at least another two weeks with the Dursleys and now he at least had something to read. However, the book gave him a solution to escape from the pain that Sirius death had left in him.
He had risked a lot trying that spell, if it had not worked the first time, he would have been tracked and he knew this time he would not get away with it. The spell, however, worked perfectly, he tried some basic spells and he never got a letter from the Ministry. In fact the only letter he had received was from Dumbledore, telling him he would be going to the burrow in the next three days. He prepared his things, which were not that much and waited, in a few minutes someone would come to pick him.
He was shocked when he opened the door and found out who they had sent to take him away. Remus' presence was not the shocking one, but it surprised him. He thought he wouldn't want to see Harry yet. But no, it was Severus Snape's tall form which shocked him. He wanted to protest, to yell at Remus for not thinking straight. To demand him to get the potion's master out of that house, but he couldn't. He was shocked yes, but his desire to get out of that house was stronger.
"I'll go get my things Remus; it'll be just a second"
Remus nodded and let him go upstairs; the werewolf turned to look at Snape and gave him an apologetic smile.
"You don't have to apologise for the brat's actions, Lupin… He's not a child anymore, even when he acts like one most of the time"
Remus shook his head and turned towards the stairs when he heard Harry coming down, with his trunk at tow. Snape reduced it and Harry put it inside his pocket, the only two things he left out were his broom and his invisibility cloak, just in case.
"You won't need that Potter… The floo network has been momentarily connected to this fireplace"
He shrugged and folding his cloak he went to the fireplace, stepped inside and took some of the floo powder Remus gave him.
"The Burrow!"
He hated travelling this way, but it was the safest way and the quickest since he couldn't apparate yet. He appeared at his friend's house and quickly stepped out from the fireplace to let Remus and Snape use it. Harry was about to start dusting off his clothes when he was trapped in a fierce hug.
"Harry! I'm so glad to see you!"
He recognized Molly's voice and scent, and embraced her back closing his eyes and enjoying the only maternal figure he had ever known.
"I'm happy to see you too Mrs. Weasley"
She let go of him just in time to see Remus appear at the fireplace followed shortly by Snape.
"Remus, Severus, thank you for bringing him home"
They both nodded and walked past her towards the kitchen; they still had to wait for Tonks, who would be staying there for protection. They wanted to take him to Grimmauld place, but they all knew that would only cause troubles.
"I'm sure you're hungry Harry, take your things to the twins' old room while I make something to eat… Ron and Ginny should be home soon, they went with Arthur to pick Hermione at the train station. Her parents let her come back earlier from their trip"
Harry nodded and was about to climb the stairs when he remembered. He took his trunk out of his pocket and put it on the floor.
"Mrs. Weasley? Could you end the charm please?"
"Oh! Of course dear, of course!"
She took her wand and pointed it at his trunk turning it back to its original size.
"Thank you"
"It's ok Harry… Now, get your things upstairs and come down when you're finished ok?"
Harry nodded and took his things to the room. Harry smiled; Molly said this was his home he owed so much to them. They had accepted him as one of their family and he would always be grateful for that, but he knew he would never really be a Weasley.
After all, I'm Harry Potter… Son of James and Lilly Potter, killed by Tom Riddle fifteen years ago… And I'm also the boy-who-lived, who was born ten years later.
He sighed and put his trunk at the end of the bed, his broom stood leaning against the wall near the door and his cloak folded over the bed. He sat down and closed his eyes, now that he was here he would have to stop doing what he had been doing at Privet Drive, it was too risky and the last thing he wanted was to worry them. Besides, he knew they would be disappointed if they knew what he had been doing to himself.
Harry sighed again and stood up, left the room and closed the door behind him. He went down the stairs and entered the kitchen, Remus and Snape had already left and Molly had just finished setting a plate of roasted beef and smashed potatoes over the table.
"Here you go Harry, if you want more just tell me…"
"Thank you"
He smiled at her, but she knew better than believe that smile. Molly knew Harry was still grieving, and no matter how much he tried to hide it she would always notice. But she wouldn't ask him, she wouldn't push him to tell her how he felt. For she knew he would not tell her anything and say he was ok.
You should talk about it Harry, it is never good to keep things like this inside…
She put a glass of pumpkin juice in front of his plate and sat next to him drinking a cup of tea. To say the silence was awkward would be an understatement. She was about to ask him how he was doing when they heard the front door open.
"Mom! We're back!"
Molly smiled and sighed in relief. Ron entered the kitchen followed by Ginny and Hermione.
"Harry, mate!"
Ron greeted him with a quick hug and a strong pat on his back, Hermione and Ginny embraced him, telling him they had missed him a lot and were glad to see him again. Harry was glad they never pushed him to talk about Sirius, or anything involving the events in the Department of Mysteries.
You should talk about it, you know? And stop with that stupidity… Shut up, you fucking shit! It's your fault I'm doing it in the first place!
Harry was two different beings now, Harry Potter and The-boy-who-lived, and inside his head and when he was completely alone, those two fought each other.
The rest of the summer was peaceful and spent between broom racing and card or chess games. They had got their letters from Hogwarts, and he was shocked to see that he had got O in Potions. The only classes he wouldn't be taking anymore were History of Magic and Divination, but that was to be expected. He could be an Auror and that was what really mattered. Ron passed the same he did, but he had got an E in Potions and that meant he wouldn't be taking it, since Snape wouldn't admit less than O's in his class.
As they all knew, Hermione passed all his OWLs with O's, that night Molly organized a small party to celebrate. Two days later, they left to Diagon Alley to get their books and supplies for their sixth year, and also visit Fred and George at their shop. Harry was really impressed and very happy to see they had done so well, and also found himself with several bags with products the twins gave him.
Soon they would be going back to Hogwarts, and in that last days Harry started to have those weird dreams again. About the place in ruins, the two boys; sometimes he would dream about an ancient place, but not in ruins. It was beautiful and he would always see the blue eyed boy there; he would always be in white robes, but not wizard's robes. He knew he had seen those clothes before, but could never remember where.
Finally the day had come, and they left the burrow towards King's Cross Station. Harry didn't know, but that day, the moment he boarded the train, everything in his life would change.
TBC
I hope you all liked this. I know it seems confusing now, but I didn't want to explain everything already. There's people who probably won't understand even after some thing are exposed, but I'll explain when we get there. About the ten years after thing, for him, Harry, The Boy Who Lived was born the day he got his letter.
If you liked this chapter and want to read more, please be patient, I may no be able to update as soon as I would like. Though, I'll try to post at least once or twice a month.
