A/N: This is a story that I wrote in high school. Basically, I sucked at writing it and couldn't do this interesting idea justice until now. So I have re-written it and am going to post the chapters whenever I find time to edit them. If you have any comments or questions, please send me a review. I hope you enjoy this story! Thank you for reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own J. K. Rowling's copyright stuff or any of her royalties. Suck! =(

It was a hot, dry day and Harry Potter was strolling down the road toward Privet Drive. He was only fifteen, and not the sort of person that you would expect to see anywhere near Privet Drive. Although no one would guess as they observed his pensive figure walking down the street, he was a wizard and an' a thumpin' good'un. Harry had grown about four inches since he had gotten back from Hogwarts, which didn't really help with the fact that he was very skinny and looked extremely underfed. (Aunt Petunia had seen to that). His untidy jet-black hair just barely covered a lightning bolt-shaped scar on his forehead, and that was personally the way he liked it.

"Harry! Wait up!" screamed someone over his shoulder.

Harry turned and saw a tall girl, waving her arms frantically, running toward him. As she did you could easily see she had a dramatic hourglass figure, and her dark, curly hair was French braided to the side. As she stopped by Harry's side she gave him the smile she only reserved for him; it was open, happy and unguarded. Her name was Cori Rawson. Harry and Cori had been best friends ever since they were in primary school together.

Harry believed that Cori was the reason he hadn't gone mental growing up on Privet Drive. Before Harry had gone to Hogwarts, Cori was the only person Harry could remember showing him any kindness or love growing up. When everyone at school and on Privet Drive told her that Harry was nothing more than a little weirdo, Cori instantly accepted him.

Cori and Harry also grew a deep connection because, like Harry, Cori was also an orphan. Her Grandmother, who Harry adored as the only mother figure he had ever known before Mrs. Weasly, had raised Cori.

"Hey Cori," said Harry with an equally big smile.

"What's up?" asked Cori with concern, instantly reading the look on his face.

"Nothing really", said Harry, "The Dursleys kicked me out for watching the news again."

Cori dramatically rolled her eyes and sighed. "Why didn't you just come over and watch it with Nana and I? They may treat you like old cheese, but we know that you're just like everybody else."

"Right," replied Harry.

It took Harry a lot of effort not to smile. It had been impossible these past four years, but Harry had never revealed to Cori that he was a wizard. The past two years had been extremely difficult though. She had been asking a lot more questions and accepting much less lies.

But before Harry could start to worry about getting grilled again tonight, Cori looked at the setting sun and said, "I should probably get back. Nana will be worried."

"Okay," said Harry without much enthusiasm. Although the need to avoid Cori increased, the more he felt the need to be her protector. This had significantly elevated due to the rise of Lord Voldemort a few months ago. Just another thing I have to lie to one of my best friends about, Harry thought depressingly.

"Harry, are you okay?" asked Cori with more of a demanding voice than earlier.

"Yeah, never better, why do you ask?" lied Harry.

Cori bit her lower lip thoughtfully and eyed Harry warily. "I don't know how to explain it," she began, "Ever since you returned from school this past year, you've been so much more depressed and distant than usual. And I know that its not the Dursleys!" she snapped when he opened his mouth.

"Do you really want to have this out now?" asked Harry in exasperation. Harry felt like he was going to snap in two. The stress, fear, guilt and sleep deprivation of the last two months were really starting to get to him. And to make it worst, he couldn't tell his oldest friend about any of it.

"Yes we do!" Cori snapped again. "Harry, I am your friend! I want to help you! I love you! Can you just stop lying to me and tell me what is eating you up inside?" she said desperately. As she had ranted, Cori had grabbed his hands and pleaded with him with her deep amber eyes.

Harry stared at their clasped hands. Her hands were warm and soft, and gave him the little comfort that he knew she would be able to give him. He sighed heavily before meeting her eyes.

Just as Harry was about to speak, the light at the intersection of Magnolia Crescent and Wisteria Lane burned out. Street lamps, house lights, the stars, and the moon were all gone, and all that was left was an endless blackness. Harry felt Cori tighten her grip and gasp audibly as she too felt the sensation of cold and hopelessness pierce her lungs. At that moment Harry knew.

"No," he whispered in pure horror.