Hi. Thank you for reading my fic! I've only written a few in the past, but I have spent a lot of time on this one, and I hope you will enjoy it. Helpful criticism and constructive ideas are welcome in reviews. Please be honest.
WARNING: In the future, I most likely WILL NOT have chapters this long! This one happens to be one I have worked on a lot! I do not update every day, more like once or twice a week.
This will be a Harry/Ginny and Ron/Hermione fic. As for the others, you will have to see. It is rated PG-13 for some language and stuff, really just to be safe.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT own any of the characters in this story, nor do I claim to. ALL of the characters, places, and organizations in this story belong to J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series.
Harry Potter 6
CHAPTER 1
A skinny teenager with unruly black hair sat on his bed staring into space in the smallest bedroom of 4 Privet Drive, Surrey. This boy, by the name of Harry Potter, was an unusual boy for several reasons. First and foremost, he was a wizard. Yes, a wizard who carries a wand, flies on broomsticks, and can do magic. The first things you noticed about Harry Potter were his piercing green eyes and a thin lightening bolt shaped scar on his forehead.
The scar was from Halloween nearly 16 years ago when Voldemort, the most evil wizard of the age, killed his parents. Harry became famous for being the only person to ever survive the killing curse.
Harry rose from his bed and went to his desk where he took out a quill and a clean sheet of parchment.
To someone at the Order-
I am perfectly fine. The muggles are treating me fine. No need to come check on me or them.
Harry
On any other summer, Harry would be begging to be allowed to visit his friends, but ever since the death of Sirius, his godfather, he had really stopped caring about anything else.
Harry sealed the parchment and set it aside for when Hedwig got back from hunting. He had dutifully been sending letters every 3 days to the Order of the Phoenix. He had gotten owls from Ron, Hermione, and surprisingly Ginny, the youngest member of the Weasley family. Needless to say, he was shocked that she had written to him. Two years before she couldn't even speak to Harry without stuttering or blushing. However, Harry realized that she had grown to be a fine young woman, not a silly little girl with a crush on famous Harry Potter. Just last Christmas she had screamed at him for being selfish and not talking to anyone.
Hedwig soared through Harry's open window. The Dursleys had been frightened by the threat Mad-eye Moody and Harry's other friends from the Order had made at King's Cross and allowed Harry to do what he wanted for the most part.
"Hello Girl. Would you mind bringing this note to the Order please?" Harry asked softly. Hedwig hooted and put out her leg. Harry tied the message to her leg and watched her fly away sadly. Whenever he thought of the Order, he thought of Grimmauld Place, and whenever he thought of Grimmauld Place, he thought of Sirius.
Harry had painful nightmares about Sirius' death. He blamed himself for the death of his beloved godfather no matter what Dumbledore or the others said. If only he had taken Occlumency seriously, Sirius might have lived. If only he had realized it was a trap.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted by Uncle Vernon's yell, "Boy, get down here, there is someone here to see you!" Curiosity filled Harry. Who could it be? Was he leaving the Dursleys early? Then Harry was filled with fear. What if it was a disguised Death Eater?
Harry carefully drew his wand and cautiously made his way down the stairs. In the living room sat a battered Remus Lupin. He looked worse than the last time Harry had seen him. His usually shabby robes seemed, if anything, shabbier and more tattered than ever. And Harry was sure his hair had grayed and a few more aging wrinkles appeared on his dear Professor's face.
"Hi Harry," Lupin smiled.
"Professor Lupin?" Harry said quizzically.
"Well, I'm hardly your Professor anymore, so please call me Remus, or Moony, whichever suits you," Lupin smiled.
"But how do I know that it is really you?" Harry demanded, still pointing his wand at Lupin.
"Harry, your Patronus form is a stag like your father's Animagus form. I taught it to you in your third year after Christmas break because you are so easily affected by Dementors from the horrors of your past."
Harry visibly relaxed. "So what are you doing here?" he asked.
"I came for a visit and to talk about stuff."
"Oh," said Harry.
"So, how are you holding up?" Remus asked. It dawned upon Harry that he was not the only person who was suffering from the death of Sirius. Lupin had lost the only best friend he had left. Wormtail had died the day he became a Death Eater.
Harry sighed. "I'm alright I guess. But what about you?" he asked the last true remaining Marauder.
Remus slowly studied Harry and whispered, "I miss him too Harry. But that's how he wanted to go, Harry, protecting you. How he despised that creepy old house. I'm surprised he didn't crack earlier. But he's in a better place now. He's with your parents now."
Harry turned away from Remus in effort to hide the tears forming in his eyes.
"No Harry, it's alright to cry. Let it all out," Moony said gently, patting Harry on the back.
Harry burst into tears and sobbed, "It's all my fault Moony! If I had studied Occlumency like I was supposed to-"
"Harry James Potter, I never want to hear those words come out of your mouth again! It's not your fault and nobody blames you one bit. It's all Voldemort's fault. I want you to channel all of your anger and guilt towards him, Harry. How are you supposed to beat him if you're constantly blaming yourself for things he did?"
Harry's head snapped up at the last sentence. How did he know?
"Dumbledore told me about the Prophecy," Remus said softly.
"Well then I understand if you no longer want to associate with me. I'm a danger to everyone I know," Harry said sadly.
Remus looked at Harry critically. "Harry, if you are going to make it through this, you are going to need your friends. Don't push them away. It doesn't do anybody any good. I'm a target because I'm a werewolf, the Weasleys have always openly supported Dumbledore, and Hermione is a muggle-born."
"Oh, " Harry said softly as he realized that all of his close friends were targets no matter what. That had never occurred to him. He had just assumed that by being friendly with him, they were all targets.
"So did Dumbledore send you to check on me or something?" Harry asked, spitting out the name as if it was an ear wax flavored Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Bean. He was still angry with his headmaster for keeping the prophecy a secret from him for so many years, and for not explaining why he was being forced to take Occlumency lessons with his least favorite professor. Harry felt that if he had known, he would not have been so easily tricked by Voldemort.
"Actually, you're the only person who knows that I'm here. Molly would probably kill me for not bringing her along if she knew! Dumbledore said to let you grieve alone, but I know it's better to let it all out," the werewolf said.
"Well, thanks for coming, I think I needed that. Hey Moony, do you think you could help me train for the upcoming war?" Harry asked hopefully.
Remus looked thoughtful. "Hmmm, you couldn't do magic out of school, but maybe I could help you with physical training. And I bed Tonks would love to help too!"
"Great! So what's going to on between you and Tonks?" Harry asked suggestively.
Remus flushed, "Nothing at all, what do you mean? Anyways, when and where will we meet for training?" Remus hurriedly changed the subject.
"Well, there's this park near-by that hardly anyone goes to that would be great, and anytime is fine with me!"
"Okay then, training starts tomorrow at 6 am sharp," Remus said. Harry groaned. That was way too early in the morning. "Would you prefer it to be at 5 am instead?" asked Moony with a nasty grin.
Harry shook his head violently. "No, no, 6 is fine!"
Remus laughed. "I have to be going then, Harry. See you bright and early!"
Harry hugged him and escorted him to the door. "Bye!" he exclaimed happily. "See you tomorrow!"
"So what did the freak- er- your friend want?" Uncle Vernon said grumpily from the hall.
Harry ignored him and walked upstairs to his room. Hedwig was already on his bed and she had some letters and a package for him. Harry relieved her and she flew to her cage.
Harry decided to start with the letter with Ron's sloppy handwriting on it.
Hey mate!
We're back at birdwatcher's headquarters, and it's still as disgusting as ever. At least Kreatcher joined his relatives on the wall of house-elves. Hermione's here too, she will put a letter in too. She is driving me nuts worrying about OWL results. They had better come soon or she will drive me bonkers! Mum says she wants you to eat more, so she is sending a package of food in case the Muggles aren't treating you right. You can always send Hedwig for more! We will try to get you out of there soon!
Ron
Harry was delighted to hear Kreatcher was gone; it was partially his fault Sirius died. He felt left out because Ron and Hermione were together again, and made a mental note to ask Remus when he would be leaving Privet Drive. He was grateful to Mrs. Weasley for sending food. The Dursleys fed him, but not quite enough because Dudley ate most of it.
Harry picked up the next letter and sure enough it was from Hermione.
Hi Harry,
As Ron has probably already informed you, we are back at the same location as last summer. Kreatcher, poor old dear, is finally gone. However, I must say it is rather nice not having him there to call me "Mudblood" or such nonsense. I don't think I can wait any longer for OWLS! They said that they would mail the results in July, and it is July! Ron has been particularly annoying about it all, saying he hopes they never come! Honestly! Our results affect the rest of our lives, and all he is doing is sleeping, eating, and playing chess. Well, I'm afraid I must go. Harry, please don't blame yourself for what happened at the end of last term. It was not your fault in any way, remember that!
Hermione
Trust Hermione to be panicked about OWLs. Until Ron had mentioned it, Harry had honestly forgotten they were coming. He supposed he would tell Hermione about Remus' visit so she would stop worrying about him.
There were three more letters left. Harry picked up one with WWW printed in the wax.
Dear Esteemed Business Partner,
We thought that we should inform you that right now 33% of all WWW products are being transferred to your vault. We know that you will try to refuse the money, but keep in mind that we know a few good pranks and hexes that are quite convincing. We want to thank you once again for your extremely generous donation, and we assure you that it has not gone to waste. Business is booming (quite literally sometimes) and we have only you to thank.
Gred and Forge Weasley
Owners of WWW
Harry groaned. He didn't need more money. He wanted to ask them to stop the transfer, but he knew they would never accept it. The Weasleys were good and honest people who repaid their debts. Harry decided that he would make a deal with the Weasley twins later on. Nevertheless, he was glad that the joke shop had worked out so well. He wondered if Mrs. Weasley was aware that he was the benefactor of the shop. He doubted it; she would have killed him by now if she knew.
There were now two letters left. One he could see was from Ginny Weasley, but he was curious as to who the other letter was from. He opened it cautiously, but when he saw it was from his Headmaster, he threw it down in disgust and glared at it. However, he was curious about what the Headmaster had to say, and picked it up.
Dear Harry,
How have your summer holidays been?
Harry snorted. Trust Dumbledore to start of innocently.
I am writing to inform you that in addition to regular classes, you will be taking Occlumency lessons with me. Also, you will be pleased to know that your "lifelong" Quidditch ban has been removed. I have taken your Firebolt from the dungeons for you and I will return it when I see you next. You will be leaving the Dursley residence at precisely 12:00 noon on August the first. Have a pleasant summer!
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Wizarding and Witchcraft
Harry couldn't help but smile. He could play Quidditch again and he would get his Firebolt back. It was the only proper gift from his godfather and quite valuable to him. But then Harry remembered that he was spending his birthday at Privet Drive. And that he had to take Occlumency lessons at the start of the new term.
Harry threw down the letter once more and picked up the last one, from Ginny.
Dear Harry,
How are you? Well that was a stupid question, wasn't it? You are probably miserable. I heard mum and Dumbledore talking. She is extremely upset that you aren't here. She is sending you tons of food. I hope the muggles are treating you alright. Ron's been giving me such a hard time recently because of what I said on the train about Dean Thomas. It was just a bluff, the first name that I thought of. And now he won't leave me alone, saying I am too young to date. I've noticed his affection for a certain bushy-haired friend of ours, and I suspect she has similar feelings. But they are both too daft to do anything about it. Maybe we should give them a small push in the right direction. wink wink, nudge nudge Ron is now demanding what I could possibly have to write to you about. I told him to bugger off. He is so annoying! And Hermione isn't much better, what with worrying about OWLs. I'm going to assume you know about Kreatcher. We are all very worried about you here! If you ever need to talk about anything, I am here for you, and there are a number of people willing to help you here! I hope I get to see you soon!
Love,
Ginny
Harry was glad that he and Ginny were writing, somehow she cheered him up. He had noticed that Ron and Hermione had feelings for each other and was glad that Ginny would help him set them up. Harry was now tired and decided he would answer the letters the next day. He took off his glasses and set them aside. Harry drifted off into the first dreamless sleep he had had in a long time.
