A/n
I've read several stories now and I have decided to do a fifth year story although I know the new book will be out soon I'm going to continue this story no matter what and I truly hope you'll read review and stick with me.
Disclaimer
I'll only do this once. I do not repeat NOT own any of the characters or locations in the Harry Potter universe that honor belongs to J K Rowling
Summary
'A hero is born from strife' but what happens when a hated enemy threatens the love of a lifetime, a fire ignites within and a hero becomes a legend. The legends name? Harry Potter . . . New abilities and conflict with Voldemort, can Harry and his love survive. A.U. fifth year, H/H, R/L.
The Fire Within
A 'Hero's' Lot/Return of an old friend
An ordinary street at the dead of night, silent and peaceful. All of the local residents were calmly dreaming in their beds while the world outside belonged to the night wildlife of which very little could be seen, the odd bird passing silently overhead and the cat sitting atop the wall of number five. Yes anyone seeing this scene would think it serene and normal, they would be wrong. For not everyone on this street was immersed in the blissful security of sleep.
As the clock of the nearby church struck two am a pale light could be seen emanating from the smallest bedroom of number four. It was there that the only conscious person on this street would normally sleep however tonight he could be found in a chair on the other side of the room to his bed pouring over a couple of books and fighting to keep his startlingly green eyes open despite the time.
The house in question is non other than number four Privet Drive home of Vernon and Petunia Dursley and their son Dudley. However during the summer months this is also 'home' to a fourth person and it is this young man we find reading into the early hours of the morning. Harry Potter, the most famous boy wizard in the world, the only person to ever survive the killing curse 'Avada Kadavra' with only a scar in the shape of a lightning bolt as testament to this fact. A boy who at the age of one lost his parents to that same curse and who, the same night destroyed the most powerful dark wizard in a millennium the man who killed Harry's parents and left him with his scar. Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA Lord Voldemort, who just a few months before succeeded in gaining himself a new body and in doing so murdered one of Harry's fellow students Cedric Diggory at the end of the Tri-wizard tournament. So once again for his own safety (Though he doesn't truly know why) Harry is spending his summer in the 'care' of his aunt and uncle, a couple who despise wizards and magic and would rather Harry had died with his parents. And so it is we find Harry attempting to stay awake while reading.
The date today was the twenty-eighth of July and although Harry had only been back on Privet Drive for a few weeks he had already finished all his summer homework and memorized all his text books first to forth year despite the fact the Dursleys worked him almost to complete exhaustion with chores while his overly large cousin sat on his rear end watching T.V. Not that Harry was complaining because thanks to his chores and studying he was too tired to dream and as his dreams since Cedric's death had been nightmares of self-recrimination, he had welcomed the quiet of his sleep. However as Harry had finished his homework over a week ago including memorizing his books he had been forced to find something else to exhaust his mind while at the same time exhausting his body during the day at the local gym, (this had come about when the Dursleys realized Harry was enjoying his chores no matter how hard and in an attempt to leave him miserable they had withdrawn his chores leaving him so bored he had searched the surrounding area until he found a gym). After thinking about it for a few hours Harry had decided to do something useful and had started learning about other languages (something even the Dursleys couldn't oppose) and had found he possessed a natural talent for it, so in the following week he had become fluent in spoken Chinese and was currently trying to master the symbols of the written language, but was finding he was simply too tired so gave up and went to bed falling into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
The morning of the twenty-eighth dawned bright and clear and though he had had only a few hours sleep Harry awoke to the early morning sun streaming through his window feeling totally refreshed. As he stood from his bed he greeted his snowy owl Hedwig and glanced out the window to catch the last rays of a glorious sunrise. Knowing that his 'family' wouldn't be bothering him for a couple of hours yet he decided to return to his studying and by the time his aunt ordered him to get up he had already memorized over half the book. As Harry made his way down the stairs he could hear raised voices coming from the sitting room so he stopped to listen.
"I don't care what you say he is not returning to that 'place'!"
"Mr. Dursley you are being unreasonable. Harry still has three years to go at Hogwarts are you telling me you would prevent him from seeing his friends for three years worth of holidays?"
"I'm saying that those freaks are not welcome in my house, and as far as I'm concerned I will not take him so he simply won't go and besides we have work for him to do, we've let him off for a few weeks. No more." At that point Vernon Dursley exited the sitting room and was about to go up the stairs to get Harry when he saw him, standing half way up them "It's about time you lazy little. . . " However he stopped as Harry, seething with anger at his uncle pushed his way into the room to speak to the person whose voice he recognized.
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Professor Minerva McGonagal had spent the last several weeks living in a friend's house on Privet Drive to keep an eye on Harry (of course he didn't realize). The moment Molly Weasley had arrived home from collecting her children (and incidentally Harry's friends) from the school train, she had immediately sent a letter to the headmaster of Hogwarts demanding that Harry be moved from his relatives home and included a list of stories from his past with them. She then ended with 'After what the poor boys been these past few years especially this year he deserves to be with people who care for him.' And so Minerva had been dispatched to watch Harry and if the situation required it to remove him to Hogwarts where it would be decided where to place him.
After careful observation she had finally made her decision, of course she almost left Harry there after she noticed that he seemed happy with his chores until the Dursleys removed them at which point she witnessed him becoming depressed and ignored. Then when he found the gym and began studying again he returned to his usual demeanor. It was at this point she decided to get closer to the house and see what was going on inside and so in her cat form she haunted the windows and doors of number four. She finally had an answer. Harry was purposely exhausting himself for dreamless sleep while at the same time his 'family' did every thing they could to make him miserable (at first chores, then totally ignoring him). Now, her mind made up she waited in the front room of the Dursleys while Vernon went for Harry (but not until after he had given her a mouthful for entering his garden, let alone his house).
As the door opened again she turned expecting to find Vernon again but instead came face to face with a furious Harry, in that instant she realized just how much work he must have been putting in at the gym, the t-shirt he was wearing was one from the gym and fit him like a glove accenting all his well toned muscle from the hard work he'd done. His eyes, bright green to begin with now seemed even more so, it was then she realized he didn't have his glasses on. The difference to the boy who had left Hogwarts a month and a half ago was staggering and it was a certainty that the Harry Potter fan club would be increasing exponentially this coming year. She was brought back when Harry's voice broke her train of thought.
"Professor. I must apologize for uncle Vernon, his way of greeting guests leaves much to be desired!"
"Mr. Potter, Harry. That's quite alright, from what I've witnessed this summer I expected no less."
"Still I wouldn't want people to think that I'm . . ."
"Not to worry Harry, that won't happen besides we all know you're sometimes to polite for your own good but I digress. The reason I'm here is we received a rather, shall we say colourful owl from Molly Weasley stating her opinions of your relatives, and after keeping watch here since just after you arrived I must agree with her. It was her request and my recommendation that you be moved out of the Dursleys 'care' for this summer at least, to give you time to recuperate from recent events. Now though I have no problem you studying in fact I commend it, but not to the point of exhaustion. Yes Harry I've seen what you've been doing, so you will be returning to Hogwarts for the time being say the next week to allow us to help get rid of those nightmares then you will be going to stay at the Burrow that is, if you agree."
"I think you'd be safe in thinking I would agree, just one question how would you stop my nightmares?"
"That Harry, Professor Dumbledore will explain when we reach Hogwarts. Now why don't you gather your belongings while I prepare the Portkey." At Harry's look of horror she continued "Don't worry Harry I'll be creating the portkey myself so you will be delivered safely to Hogwarts." At that reassurance Harry quickly made his way upstairs and started packing his trunk at high speed.
Once he was finished with his packing Harry scribbled off a couple of notes for Ron and Hermione stating what would be happening then sent Hedwig off telling her to remain at the Burrow and he would meet her there. Once she was out of sight Harry returned downstairs dragging his trunk and Hedwigs cage with him, once at the bottom he entered the sitting room only to find McGonagal in another argument with his uncle only this time his aunt had also joined in.
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To say that Hermione Granger was worried would be an understatement, the moment she had gotten home from school she had started a letter for Harry, she just had to be sure he got home alright even if it meant spending the summer with his relatives. So when she received a quick response she was delighted however that soon changed. Sure he seemed o.k. despite his aunts list of chores for him, but there was something different about this letter and once she started reviewing it she soon found out what, there were no jokes, no innuendo, no light hearted comments about her arguments with Ron or her studious nature. It was almost as if all the joy had been sucked out of him and that scared her more than a hundred Voldemort's. Oh sure everyone has off days and she would have attributed this letter to that if it wasn't for the next five being the same, if these letters were any indication, it was almost as though Harry wasn't Harry anymore, and she would not accept that. After all the time she had spent with him last year during his argument with Ron, she had grown closer to him and finally got to see the side of Harry he kept hidden from everyone even his best friends, and she was sure he relied on her as much as she on him. Yes Ron was still a very close friend but his tendency to blow up and his excessively childish behavior made her believe she would never be as close to him as she was with Harry, yes she cared about Ron just in a different way, that was why she had kissed Harry farewell at the station. But now with these letters she was beginning to worry more and more. When she had mentioned this to Ron his letter had simply put it down to a combination of his relatives and stress from the tournament, but she wasn't so sure.
She was knocked out of her thoughts by the sound of tapping on her window. Looking up she immediately recognized Harry's owl Hedwig and dived for the window to let her in. after removing the letter from around her leg and giving her a drink, she eagerly opened the letter hoping to find something to finally make her smile.
Dear Hermione,
You're not going to believe this but I'm finally getting away from the Dursleys. Turns out McGonagal's been watching the house for the last few weeks and after seeing the Dursleys treatment of me i.e. totally ignoring me, she's decided I should leave for the rest of the summer. So she's down stairs as I write, making a portkey to Hogwarts where I'll be staying for the next week or so, after which I'm off to the Burrow. I really hope to see you there,
Love Harry
p.s.
You noticed she waited until 'after' I finished all my homework. Typical, and I could have done to use the library on that history essay, oh well, see ya.
At last she thought with a grin, not only was Harry getting away from his relatives but he seemed to be back to normal, well except for the fact that he had finished his homework, which could only mean one thing, he was bored to tears. She quickly wrote a response and sent Hedwig on her way back to Harry, then after composing herself again she went down to join her parents in the lounge.
"Good morning!" she called as she entered
"My, you're in a good mood this morning" her mother commented, then smiling at her husband she continued "So how is Harry today?"
"Oh he's fine. Much better now that . . ." she stopped, looking at her parents as her face started to turn pink "How did you know I'd heard from Harry?"
"Well. . There's the grin, the good mood, the fact that there's a letter in your hand, oh and the fact that you're late for breakfast." Her father informed her with that I know everything look on his face.
"It could just have easily been a letter from Ron or even Victor!" she protested
"The last time, no scratch that, almost every time you receive a letter from Ron you start into a presentation on how he is and I quote 'An immature prat'." Her mother decided to take it from there
"Also the only letter you've received so far this summer from Victor you disposed of as soon as you'd read it, so we'll ask again. How's Harry?"
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Harry stared around the room at the guilty and angry faces 'yes' he thought 'it's going to be a long day'. The guilty face in this situation belonged to McGonagal who after a lengthy argument with the Dursleys about the use of magic in their house had gone ahead and created the portkey. When Harry had entered the room he found Petunia unconscious (fainted) Dudley hiding in the kitchen and Vernon under the full body bind, needless to say after Harry convinced McGonagal to release him he was furious, however the fear of magic kept him in check and within moments Harry was off to Hogwarts.
When they arrived the school was almost deserted, apparently only a handful of people were there and much to Harry's delight that didn't include Snape.
After quickly depositing his belongings in Gryffindor tower, McGonagal escorted him up to Dumbledore's office, and after giving the password to the gargoyle guard she led him up the moving staircase and they were immediately admitted into the headmasters sanctuary.
"Ah! Minerva, Harry good morning. I trust there was no difficulty in your departure?" Dumbledore asked from behind his desk with an amused smile.
"Nothing we couldn't handle Albus, can I assume you read my report?"
"Of course Minerva, and I must say I agree with your assessment. Now Harry, I expect you have been informed that we have a way to relieve you of your depression not to mention nightmares. Now I must advise you that this will not remove your visions of Voldemort, I'm afraid nothing can be done about those however your own dreams we can help with."
Harry looked up at his Headmaster, (a man who had been like a grandfather to Harry) with a look of hope in his eyes. "How sir? As far as I could find the only way to help would be a permanent cheering charm and even those would wear off eventually."
"Well to answer that I need to tell you one or two things about yourself however I can't tell you everything."
At Harry's disappointed look McGonagal jumped in to explain "Harry! When you where born Albus signed a contract with the ministry stating that he wouldn't tell you certain things until you discovered them yourself and confronted us with it. This was and is to protect everyone involved so please understand."
"I understand it's just very frustrating."
"I know Harry" Dumbledore said moving to sit next to him "but for now how about I tell you what I can?" At Harry's nod he continued "very well." McGonagal conjured tea for them all and he began.
"To start we really need to go back almost fifteen years. The moment they realized you were going to be born, your parents came to Hogwarts to ask Madam Pomfrey to deliver you and also for permission to have the birth here at Hogwarts. Now although this is not unheard of, it is unusual for permission to be given as it was in your case. So two days before you were due your parents moved into the guest wing of the school, excitement was high among the staff at the time for several reasons I won't go into, however for myself it was due to the fact that a second birth was going to take place on the same day as yours, also here at Hogwarts but this one would take place here in my office so I could keep careful watch." At Harry's confused and slightly horrified expression he chuckled to himself and continued, "You see Harry that was the birth of Fawkes' grand-daughter and with three full grown phoenixes here (Fawkes and the two soon to be parents) in my office, I had to lock the door to keep the curious out. Thankfully this did not last long."
At this point Fawkes gave a quavering note from his perch catching Dumbledore's attention. "Ah it seems I am running out of time so I had better continue. The day of your birth soon came around, and while your parents where in the hospital wing I was sealed up here watching as the egg began hatching. At precisely ten thirty the hatching was finished, however instead of the usual dirty gray or brown chick this one was a pale pink, though there was no doubt this was a phoenix. I soon came down to the hospital wing to meet you only to find a remarkable peice of information; it seems Harry you were also born at precisely ten thirty. Of course this could have all been mere coincidence if not for an occurrence that happened a few days later. Your Parents brought you up to my office to see the new baby phoenix, while your parents and I talked about circumstances outside the school and decided on safe ways to get you home, the new phoenix opened it's eyes for the first time and the first thing it saw after it's parents was you and it sang for the first time while never taking it's eyes off you." By now Harry was so engrossed in the tale he didn't realize Fawkes had flown out the window singing all the way and fading into the distance. "From that time on she would only sing if you where in the room. About a week later you and your parents returned home as did the phoenix to remain with it's mother until it's first burning day, now normally that would be about seven years however this phoenix didn't burn until two days ago and is now a fully adult phoenix (like the rest of her kind she matures quickly after a burning) She will now be returning to the one she is bonded to, in other words you!" In the background the sound of Fawkes was joined by another.
"Professor, what do you mean me?" Harry asked astounded.
"Harry the reason you were born at the same time is because she is your phoenix, more spefically your familiar, and it is through her that we shall banish your nightmares."
"What do mean?" Harry was too shocked to come up with anything else 'A familiar? What does that mean for me?' were just some of the questions he held, but before Dumbledore could answer the phoenix song finally reached Harry but where the song of Fawkes cheered him as always the second song struck him much deeper and he was assaulted by memories he didn't realise he possessed, images of his life with his parents flooded him and it took all his control not to cry out with the joy these memories brought. He turned towards the sound and answered the words he heard within the song "Welcome back Luna!"
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McGonagal sat and listened as the story of Harry's familiar was told to him, and she observed with interest as a string of emotions flitted across his face. As Fawkes took flight her curiosity got the better of her and she walked over to the window unnoticed by the others in the room, outside she watched as the scarlet red phoenix flew away in full song until he was too small to see, so she turned back to the room where Dumbledore was explaining about the phoenix returning. She started when she realised there was now two songs heading toward the castle, and growing louder by the second, but she couldn't have turned to look at the elusive phoenix if she'd wanted to due to the sight before her. Harry seemed lost in his own thoughts and it wasn't until tears of joy began sparkling in his eyes that she realised he was actually viewing his memories, memories she had no doubt he never knew he had. However when he turned to the window and welcomed someone called Luna she was truly stumped, but glancing towards the headmaster she noticed his smiling brightly. 'He knows what's happening' she thought just before two large birds flew through the window just missing her head.
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As the words of welcome left his mouth two glorious phoenixes entered the office. The one he of course recognised as Fawkes flew over to the headmaster's shoulder, but Harry's attention was fixed firmly on the other, which after landing on his shoulder and giving him an affectionate nip remeniscent of Hedwig then jumped down on to his lap where she started to rub her head against his chest (much like a cat) and as Harry gently stroked her, she released a fluting note of contentment.
With the phoenix now resting comfortably in his lap Harry took the opportunity to examine the magnificent bird and compare it to his newly discovered memories. Were as the young bird had been a gentle pink like the setting sun, the adult plumage was brilliant silver that shimmered in the light making it look as though she were sparkling and Harry, remembering her name spoke it to gain her attention. When Luna looked up at her friend and master Harry found himself gazing into a pair of eyes the same vibrant emerald green as his own and instantly felt the connection between them, a warmth within him that he had only felt once since his parents death and now that he could identify the feeling as real love he began to make a decision he'd been skirting around all summer. For now though he had a question for Dumbledore but before he had the chance McGonagal beat him to it.
"Albus I know you said that Harry's familiar was an unusual phoenix, but I've never heard of one that colour before."
"Well that is because they are very rare and are always familiars of 'special' people. They are called Stellar Phoenixes, always the child of a regular phoenix but for some reason they are born different as you can see. I will say this however, Harry, Luna as you have named her will be extremley loyal to you, I am sure you can already feel the deep connection between you. She will be able to feel your emotions and help to better understand them, she will eat with you and sleep nearby always at the same time, if you awake so will she. It is in this way she can help with your nightmares, for when she feels you suffering from one she will unconciously twist your connection to sooth you and banish your dream. Eventualy you will be able to do the same for anyone you care enough about, and I don't mean frindship here." At this Harry blushed deeply but quickly recovered "Also Harry you should be aware that she will trust only who you trust and dislike those you dislike, should you meet someone new your unsure about she will be able to sense any dark magic or hostile thoughts towards you and transfere that knowledge to you so you can make the choice of trust yourself."
"Sir is that normal for phoenix familiars?" Harry asked as that was one of his only questions that hadn't been answered that he stood a chance of receiving an answer about.
"Actualy the only trait that is not normal from those I mentioned is that last one, only Stellar Phoenixs can transfere knowledge to their master. In time you may discover other talents Luna has others don't, but for now I see you are both tired, we have been here for some time. I suggest you go get some rest."
Harry stood with Luna once again on his shoulder and made his way towards the door "Oh and harry! You may go to stay with the Weasleys just as soon as you've had three or four nights sleep. Good night!"
"Good night Professors" Harry said as he left.
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Ronald Weasley youngest son (but not youngest child ) of the Weasleys sat in the loung of the Burrow frowning over his latest letters from his two best friends. He agreed with Hermione's assesment that Harry wasn't himself, but after what happened last year what could anyone expect. In his opinion Hermione was being far too over protective of Harry and this posed a slight dilema for Ron. On the one hand Hermione had lost almost all interest in the famous duck footed Bulgarian Seeker, admiting to have only received one letter from him all summer. But on the other hand he had noticed a similar trend in both his friend's letters, all though Harry was not his usual jovial self in his letters, he was constantly asking his (Rons) oppinion on something Hermione had said in a letter, while still being rather protective of her. While at the same time Hermione was doing the exact same thing in her letters but to a larger degree which he put down to Harry's reserved nature. 'And all this' he thought 'while probebly not even realising they're doing it'.
Now if Ron's suspicions were correct, he knew he wouldn't have a problem with it, after all it was something he'd been expecting (he'd even entered the tower betting pool regarding the subject) the problem was that he wasn't sure if he was ready to become a third wheel. Naturally he knew neither of his friends would allow him to feel that way, but if, as he suspected, they did care for each other as more tham friends then it would be inevitable.
It was at this moment that Hedwig made an appearance and landed softly on the back of Ron's seat. As he untied Harry's letter from around Hedwig's leg he noticed she also had a letter for Harry, and it didn't take him a second to recognise Hermione's neat writting, it did take all of his will power not to try to read it though, of course knowing Hedwig would never allow him helped. While Hedwig was in the kitchen resting from the journey Ron read his letter. Basically it said Harry was going to Hogwarts for a week then heading to the Burrow, but it was the post script that got his attention.
P.S.
I was wondering if it would be alright for you to invite 'Mione over aswell as i've missed her terribly (and you of course) and the letters were an emense help this summer for which I want to thank her in person.
Harry
'Thats it' he thought 'I'll have to start interacting more with others as well as Harry and Hermione. Now who's winning the bet?' As he quickly checked his copy of the betting sheet he couldn't help his cry of dismay 'Ginny?'
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Harry lay in bed attempting to put off the inevitable, after the first full nights sleep in over a month he was not planning on moving from the warmth of his bed. The night had passed quickly for Harry, and although he had sufford a couple of mild nightmares they had soon faded into nothing leaving him to dream peacefully about a girl with bushy brown hair and warm brown eyes. Now however his dreams were being disturbed by the sun in his eyes and a gentle breeze across his face, and to make matters worse Luna had also decided it was time he was out of bed and was at the side of his bed tugging at his blankets, in other words Harry was getting up!
Half an hour later Harry was making his way down to the Great Hall fully refreshed but wondering what he was going to be doing during his time at Hogwarts. when he reached the entrance hall however another thought entered his head, had the other professors present been informed about Luna? If they hadn't Harry was about to have a very uncomfortable breakfast. Upon sensing Harry's unease as he approached the hall, Luna let out a soft note to calm him and when he calmed down she nodded towards the door stating she was ready.
Taking a deep breath Harry pushed open the doors to the Great Hall and entered with Luna sitting proudly on his shoulder. However as they entered it was Harry who was left in shock, there at the head table sitting beside Professors Dumbledore and McGonagal where Professor Lupin and "Sirius!" Harry called running to embrace his godfather "What are you doing here?"
"Well Harry" he said as he watched Luna land back on Harrys shoulder after her improptu flight from the shock of him running across the hall. "As there are only the five of us here at the moment it's safe for me to show up. However when there are others around and during the school year you may call me Snuffles, Professor Lupins . . ."
"Mutt!" Lupin interupted.
"Remus that was uncalled for." Sirius said scowling at his long time friend.
"Of course it was Padfoot that was the point!" Remus said smirking.
"Hold it! Let me get this straight." Harry interupted "Professor Lupin is teaching again?" At an affirmative nod he continued "And Sirius is staying with him." again another nod "and you two expect the castle to still be standing at Christmas?" He said to Dumbledore and McGonagal "you do realise that between them and the TerrorTwins you may as well retire now as by next summer there'll be no Hogwarts to teach in!"
At Harry's words McGonagal's face paled while Dumbledore mearly chuckled "Well shall we eat?" he said gesturing Harry to sit between him and Sirius "Now Harry I don't want you bored out of your mind here so I'd like you to do some studying, however I have been informed that you have already finished your summer asignments. I must say I'm impressed as I'm sure Miss Granger will be." At the mention of Hermione Harry couldn't help a slight blush staining his cheaks, a fact Sirius imediatly noticed and stored for later use. "Now although you've finished I would like you to do one more essay for me. the subject, the use of familiars in combat." At Harrys nod of concent Remus decided to pitch in.
"Harry! I've noticed you've been, how shall I say, working out! Well this year we've installed an all purpose gym for defence class which you are welcome to use. It's on the third floor."
"Also" McGonagal jumped in "I assume you will want to use the Quiditch pitch" When Harry nodded Sirius couldn't help but grin 'just like James' "Well then with those things in mind you should be able to keep yourself busy while here. Oh and Harry? I would very much like Gryffindor to retain both trophies this year so try to keep up to scratch." At that Harry grinned, nodded and started eating.
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It had been a strange few days Harry mused as he sat in the Gryffindor common room in the early hours of July thirty-first. He would be leaving Hogwarts in just a few hours to go to the Weasley's and he was under strict instructions not to be late, nor was he allowed to be early which of course made Harry slightly nervous but that wasn't the only reason, oh no, Ron had sent a letter yesterday saying Hermione would be at the Burrow as soon as she could but couldn't say when that was. This Harry was happy about as it gave him some time to prepare himself (although he didn't know how much) also the fact that he had told no one about Luna made him feel easier as people wouldn't be there just to see his familiar.
As his thoughts settled on his familiar he felt a sense of frustration when he was reminded of Dumbledore's assignment. He had spent an entire day in the Library and with Fawkes who, he discovered he could talk to through his link with Luna. Through all this the only thing he could find was some tentative reference to a term called familiareyesation! Fawkes refused to tell him what it was. And all though the headmaster assured him it was there, he could find nothing in the Library, finally he gave up. After which the headmaster asked him to continue once he got back to school also stating he 'may have more luck with someone who knows the Library' with a slight grin on his face as Harry visably blushed.
Throughout all of this Harry continued to train himself both physically and mentally. With the use of the school gym he had managed to put the final polish to his toned physique giving the impression of a lifetime athlete or professional martial artist, add on to this his flying skill and there would be few if any who could match him at Quiditch now.
As Harry sat contemplating the last few days he failed to notice the portrait entrance opening and two figures sneaking up behind him, Harry didn't notice but Luna did. From her perch on Harry's knee while he gently stroked her feathers she sent a warning to Harry who hastily through up a shield, and not before time. As soon as his shield was in place a spell reflected and bounced back at his attackers.
Unsure of what he was about to see Harry turned wand in hand to his aggressors. What he saw had him rolling on the floor in hysterics, there standing behind the sofa stood Remus and Sirius looking humiliated and furious both sporting spiked Weasley red hair.
"And what may I ask is so funny?" Sirius asked in a quiet voice
"Sorry Sirius but you look like Ron" Harry replied once he'd regained his self control "I take it from the colour of your hair it's time to go?"
"Very funny, but yes it is time to leave we just thought you might want to fit in."
"I don't need red hair to fit in at the Burrow"
"Enough you two" Remus interrupted "We'd best be off or Molly will skin us alive for being late."
As they made their way up to Dumbledore's office Harry thought of something "Sirius when we get there you'd better already be Snuffles." He said remembering most people didn't know Sirius was innocent of the crimes that sent him to Azkaban.
"Don't worry Harry all those there know the truth, infact I spent a couple of days there at the beginning of summer."
"What! Why didn't Ron say anything?"
"In case the letter was intercepted." He then chuckled "Of course the girl he was talking to all the time could have distracted him."
"That makes sense. So who was she?" Harry asked as they passed the gargoyle
"To be honest I'm not sure, but he did seem rather rapped up in her so to speak. You'll have to ask when we get there, but at least now you've got no competition, by the way how is Hermione?" he asked with a grin.
Harry was saved from answering when they entered the headmaster's office, but not before he was a match for Sirius' hair leaving Sirius trying to hide his amusement.
"Ah I take it either Harry has become another marauder or something backfired" Dumbledore said looking up from behind his desk and grinning at Sirius and Remus.
"Actually a little of both sir!" was Harry's response with a grin at the two pranksters
"And what does that mean?" Remus asked sharing a worried glance with Sirius
"I'll explain at the Burrow, by the way how are we getting there?"
"By special portkey, so whenever your ready just pick up that crystal on the desk and as soon as you're all touching it, it will activate." Dumbledore informed them indicating a foot long piece of quartz on his desk.
And so it was Harry, Luna and the two marauders vanished from Hogwarts.
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The burrow was a scene of organised chaos, but in comparison to how it appeared just an hour ago this was peaceful.
Molly Weasley had got up at six that morning in order to start the meal she was preparing for Harry's arrival, usually she would be the only one up for a couple of hours, but this morning she wanted everyone up to help clean the house. So at half past six despite numerous and voluble objections, the rest of the Weasleys had 'volunteered' to help. Between them the rooms were dusted and cleaned with all the furniture moved round, the garden had been de-gnomed and the lawn cut tidy, the new car was even washed until, at half past nine people began to arrive, it was only then the others were allowed to go get showered and changed only to gather back in the sitting room before ten.
At almost ten Molly and Ginny were doing a final sweep of the house to make sure everything was 'perfect', and once satisfied joined everyone else down stairs only to see that someone else had also joined them, but before they had a chance to welcome her there was a quick flash in the front garden soon followed by a knock at the door.
As Harry's feet slammed into the ground, he managed to keep his balance for once and looking around he smiled as he recognised the Burrow. He was distracted from his thoughts though by the sound of Sirius complaining about how much he hated portkeys.
"Oh quit complaining Sirius we're here now" Harry said walking toward the door "Besides even Luna managed better than you!"
As Harry knocked on the door Luna took off from his shoulder and a second later he was in the loving yet crushing embrace of Molly Weasley, which he returned wholeheartedly.
As she released him Molly finally noticed the two men behind Harry and quickly covered her mouth so they wouldn't see her grin at their hair. She motioned them into the house but held Harry back a moment to get a better look at him and even through his robes she could see his new build, which she had no doubt a certain person in doors would be infatuated with but the true shock came when she saw the bird on his shoulder. She stood there staring for a second until Harry pulled her from her thoughts.
"Mrs. Weasley? I'd like you meet Luna my phoenix" Harry said deciding to keep the familiar part to himself for now.
"She 's a beautiful bird Harry but where did she come from?"
"How about I explain inside?"
it was only then she realised they were still standing in the yard "Oh of course, after you."
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A/N
Well there you go part one complete, part two coming up soon including feelings for friends and shopping in diagon alley not to mention the obligatory meeting with Malfoy
So please review and I'll see you soon
PP]Dragos.