Disclaimer ~ I don't own Harry Potter, surprise surprise!!
A/N CONTAINS OotP SPOILERS!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Chapter One ~ Cuttings and Owls.
Harry lay on his bed, staring absently at the ceiling. Ever since leaving the train station and saying goodbye to his friends, he had remained in a silent bewilderment, only talking when the Dursleys asked him a direct question.
He stared up at the swirling pattern of the white painted ceiling, not really seeing it. He was thinking of Sirius Black, his godfather. He got up off the bed and picked up Quidditch through the ages, in an attempt to distract his mind. After a few fruitless glances at the first sentence, he chucked it angrily at the wall. The thud as it hit the floor made him relax and sink down on to the floor.
Why was life treating him so badly? What had he done to deserve it? He had lost his parents and now the closest thing he had to a parent.
Harry Potter was due to return to Hogwarts in six weeks, but he no longer counted down the days until his return. He no longer thought only of the school. Last year he had been desperately unhappy stuck at the Durselys, but now he hardly noticed where he was.
He hadn't cried, his grief was past tears. All his plans, plans of leaving the Durselys, plans of living with Sirius, had been destroyed, destroyed in the department of mysteries, destroyed by Lord Voldemort.
It was at this point that Hedwig flew in the through the window. Harry didn't even notice, not until the owl started pecking at his finger. He jumped in surprise. The sight of Hedwig pulled him momentarily out of his sadness.
He pulled the letter of her leg, and she flew to her cage to eat. He slowly opened it, with the lack of enthusiasm he had last year.
Dear Harry,
I hope your okay. I haven't really got a lot of time to write this. I wasn't sure if you were still getting the daily prophet or not, so I thought I better send it to you, just in case. I hope your having a good summer. Have you heard from Ron? I think he's fallen out with me over Viktor.
If you need to talk just send Hedwig, she'll find me. And Harry, please don't blame yourself for what happened, it really was no one's fault.
Love Hermione.
Also with the letter was a newspaper clipping. He opened it with increased interest.
ATTACK AT THE MINISTRY
After a year of denying the truth, the unthinkable, what we all knew to be true, it has happened at last. The first attack. An attack on the ministry of magic. It was on the 20th June, (A/N I have no idea about the date!!) mid afternoon, when over ten death eaters entered the ministry. That is another show of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the power he has, that he managed to get past the thousands of wizards working there.
The attack totally destroyed the department of mysteries; investigations are going on as to why there was no security to prevent this, and why that particular department was targeted.
"We all knew that it would only be a matter of time before you-know-who returned." The minister said in an exclusive interview yesterday. "We must all be on our guard, suspect everyone, trust no one."
(Harry grinned; the first sensible words that had ever came out of Fudge's mouth.)
A few death eaters were caught, including Lucius Malfoy, a prominent member of the ministry. Other death eaters were Nott, Lestrange and Donohov. They are at the moment awaiting trial in Azkaban.
Another death eater said to have been there but was not apprehended was Bellatrix Lestrange, one of the ten who escaped from Azkaban.
The Dementors are no longer under ministry control, and I for one will sleep easier knowing that Azkaban is now guarded by highly skilled Aurors.
There were two more cuttings.
DEATH AND DESTRUCTION
Death and Destruction, two words that have not been used since He-Who-Must- Not-Be-Named first rose over sixteen years ago. We have had a weary peace for fifteen years, but this has come to an abrupt end. A rude awakening for some people.
There have been scattered disappearances, several deaths in both the Muggle and the magical world. The latest of these is the disappearance of a sixteen-year-old from her home in London. Everest Harmony Delvarney, daughter of Lord Aiden Delvarney and Lady Calico, was reported missing two days ago. Lady Calico is about to take a teaching post at Hogwarts, whilst her husband works for the ministry. Is this abduction a warning? The ministry is warning everyone to be alert and on their guard.
Harry wasn't surprised to hear of the abduction, but he was shocked at the age of the girl. Normally Voldemort took victims, who could be useful to him, how could a sixteen year old prove useful to his plans? He unfolded the last cutting very confused. It was a page where the public could write in and have their say.
Dear Editor,
I have followed all the stories on the recent death eater attacks, and what you have failed to put, maybe by mistake I am not sure, but what is a vital and important piece of evidence. Out of all the people who fought the death eaters, Albus Dumbledore included; you missed one vital person Sirius Black. He fought nobly and valiantly, saving the people who once sent him wrongly to Azkaban.
I think in tribute to him you should print an article apologising for the twelve years he spent wrongly in Azkaban, the two years he's spent on the run from the very people he died to save.
I hope my words reach you in more ways then one, all I ask is to clear his name in death, as it never was in life. Thank-you.
Tamarisk O'Dell.
Harry stared at the article shocked, then angrily screwed it up. What was the point of clearing Sirius's name now? He was gone forever.
The next day he was greeted by a shriek from an excited Petunia Dursley in the kitchen. He dressed quickly and hurried down stairs. In the kitchen Petunia, Vernon and even Dudley were watching the television, a look of fear on their faces.
"Another attack without warning struck in this quiet area of London. Seemingly without reason this is the seventh attack in this area. Three people are dead and seven injured, one of these critical." The reporter said.
Vernon Dursley turned to face his nephew. "So?" he demanded.
Harry shrugged and went to the fridge.
"This has something to do with your Lord Voldymot."
Harry shrugged again as he took the milk from the fridge.
The day was spent like the rest of the summer holidays. It was a hot day so Harry was shooed out of the house, he went to sit in the park, on the bench where he sat that night when the dementors attacked. He didn't go home for dinner, instead he just sat there watching the small children play, hearing their carefree laughter brought Harry back to the present. He forced his mind away from Sirius.
The prophesy, the one found in the department of mysteries, it had said Harry would either become a murderer (killing Voldemort) or himself be killed (by Voldemort). His dreams still took him down the long corridor, but no longer into the glittery room, instead the one with the arch, the one with the veil, the one where Sirius had died. And from there Harry walked into the arch way and disappeared, on the other side Sirius was waiting for him, grinning happily.
Harry was disturbed by these dreams, he almost felt drawn to go to the ministry and join Sirius, and maybe dying wouldn't be so bad. after all, he'd join his parents and his godfather. He shook his head as though to shake such thoughts away.
Since returning to the Durselys, he had heard from Hermione and Ron several times, he even received the odd letter from Tonks and Mad Eye, but the one who wrote most was Remus Lupin. As it began to rain he slowly got up and returned to Privet Drive. It was empty when he returned and there was a scrawled note on the table.
Gone to Marge's. Don't touch anything!
He was sitting in his bedroom when the owl arrived. It carried a letter with the Hogwarts seal. Harry ripped it open eagerly.
Dear Mr Potter, Enclosed are your OWL results, which you took in June. I congratulate you on some excellent results and am sure you will go far in the field you claimed interest in during your career's meeting. Term starts on the first of September and I have also enclosed suggestions for your new subjects. I must remind you that no magic is permitted outside school unless in a life threatening situation.
Professor McGonagall.
OWL RESULTS
Transfiguration - E
Charms - E
Potions - E
Defence Against the Dark Arts - O
Herbology - O
Care of Magical Creatures - E
History of Magic - P
Divination - D
Astrology - A
Overall score - E
Total OWLs - 7/9
I suggest you take all the subjects you got an A in or above. Charms, potions, DADA and transfiguration would prove essential in Auror training.
Harry was shocked, especially at his potions result, he had been expecting at the most an A. he was also pleased that he had managed to scrape a P in History of Magic. Seven out of nine was a good result. The success in his OWLs wiped all other thoughts from his mind, and for a moment, just one moment, Harry was happy to be Harry Potter.
A/N I know almost exactly where I am going with this! anyway please R&R, thanks.
A/N CONTAINS OotP SPOILERS!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Chapter One ~ Cuttings and Owls.
Harry lay on his bed, staring absently at the ceiling. Ever since leaving the train station and saying goodbye to his friends, he had remained in a silent bewilderment, only talking when the Dursleys asked him a direct question.
He stared up at the swirling pattern of the white painted ceiling, not really seeing it. He was thinking of Sirius Black, his godfather. He got up off the bed and picked up Quidditch through the ages, in an attempt to distract his mind. After a few fruitless glances at the first sentence, he chucked it angrily at the wall. The thud as it hit the floor made him relax and sink down on to the floor.
Why was life treating him so badly? What had he done to deserve it? He had lost his parents and now the closest thing he had to a parent.
Harry Potter was due to return to Hogwarts in six weeks, but he no longer counted down the days until his return. He no longer thought only of the school. Last year he had been desperately unhappy stuck at the Durselys, but now he hardly noticed where he was.
He hadn't cried, his grief was past tears. All his plans, plans of leaving the Durselys, plans of living with Sirius, had been destroyed, destroyed in the department of mysteries, destroyed by Lord Voldemort.
It was at this point that Hedwig flew in the through the window. Harry didn't even notice, not until the owl started pecking at his finger. He jumped in surprise. The sight of Hedwig pulled him momentarily out of his sadness.
He pulled the letter of her leg, and she flew to her cage to eat. He slowly opened it, with the lack of enthusiasm he had last year.
Dear Harry,
I hope your okay. I haven't really got a lot of time to write this. I wasn't sure if you were still getting the daily prophet or not, so I thought I better send it to you, just in case. I hope your having a good summer. Have you heard from Ron? I think he's fallen out with me over Viktor.
If you need to talk just send Hedwig, she'll find me. And Harry, please don't blame yourself for what happened, it really was no one's fault.
Love Hermione.
Also with the letter was a newspaper clipping. He opened it with increased interest.
ATTACK AT THE MINISTRY
After a year of denying the truth, the unthinkable, what we all knew to be true, it has happened at last. The first attack. An attack on the ministry of magic. It was on the 20th June, (A/N I have no idea about the date!!) mid afternoon, when over ten death eaters entered the ministry. That is another show of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the power he has, that he managed to get past the thousands of wizards working there.
The attack totally destroyed the department of mysteries; investigations are going on as to why there was no security to prevent this, and why that particular department was targeted.
"We all knew that it would only be a matter of time before you-know-who returned." The minister said in an exclusive interview yesterday. "We must all be on our guard, suspect everyone, trust no one."
(Harry grinned; the first sensible words that had ever came out of Fudge's mouth.)
A few death eaters were caught, including Lucius Malfoy, a prominent member of the ministry. Other death eaters were Nott, Lestrange and Donohov. They are at the moment awaiting trial in Azkaban.
Another death eater said to have been there but was not apprehended was Bellatrix Lestrange, one of the ten who escaped from Azkaban.
The Dementors are no longer under ministry control, and I for one will sleep easier knowing that Azkaban is now guarded by highly skilled Aurors.
There were two more cuttings.
DEATH AND DESTRUCTION
Death and Destruction, two words that have not been used since He-Who-Must- Not-Be-Named first rose over sixteen years ago. We have had a weary peace for fifteen years, but this has come to an abrupt end. A rude awakening for some people.
There have been scattered disappearances, several deaths in both the Muggle and the magical world. The latest of these is the disappearance of a sixteen-year-old from her home in London. Everest Harmony Delvarney, daughter of Lord Aiden Delvarney and Lady Calico, was reported missing two days ago. Lady Calico is about to take a teaching post at Hogwarts, whilst her husband works for the ministry. Is this abduction a warning? The ministry is warning everyone to be alert and on their guard.
Harry wasn't surprised to hear of the abduction, but he was shocked at the age of the girl. Normally Voldemort took victims, who could be useful to him, how could a sixteen year old prove useful to his plans? He unfolded the last cutting very confused. It was a page where the public could write in and have their say.
Dear Editor,
I have followed all the stories on the recent death eater attacks, and what you have failed to put, maybe by mistake I am not sure, but what is a vital and important piece of evidence. Out of all the people who fought the death eaters, Albus Dumbledore included; you missed one vital person Sirius Black. He fought nobly and valiantly, saving the people who once sent him wrongly to Azkaban.
I think in tribute to him you should print an article apologising for the twelve years he spent wrongly in Azkaban, the two years he's spent on the run from the very people he died to save.
I hope my words reach you in more ways then one, all I ask is to clear his name in death, as it never was in life. Thank-you.
Tamarisk O'Dell.
Harry stared at the article shocked, then angrily screwed it up. What was the point of clearing Sirius's name now? He was gone forever.
The next day he was greeted by a shriek from an excited Petunia Dursley in the kitchen. He dressed quickly and hurried down stairs. In the kitchen Petunia, Vernon and even Dudley were watching the television, a look of fear on their faces.
"Another attack without warning struck in this quiet area of London. Seemingly without reason this is the seventh attack in this area. Three people are dead and seven injured, one of these critical." The reporter said.
Vernon Dursley turned to face his nephew. "So?" he demanded.
Harry shrugged and went to the fridge.
"This has something to do with your Lord Voldymot."
Harry shrugged again as he took the milk from the fridge.
The day was spent like the rest of the summer holidays. It was a hot day so Harry was shooed out of the house, he went to sit in the park, on the bench where he sat that night when the dementors attacked. He didn't go home for dinner, instead he just sat there watching the small children play, hearing their carefree laughter brought Harry back to the present. He forced his mind away from Sirius.
The prophesy, the one found in the department of mysteries, it had said Harry would either become a murderer (killing Voldemort) or himself be killed (by Voldemort). His dreams still took him down the long corridor, but no longer into the glittery room, instead the one with the arch, the one with the veil, the one where Sirius had died. And from there Harry walked into the arch way and disappeared, on the other side Sirius was waiting for him, grinning happily.
Harry was disturbed by these dreams, he almost felt drawn to go to the ministry and join Sirius, and maybe dying wouldn't be so bad. after all, he'd join his parents and his godfather. He shook his head as though to shake such thoughts away.
Since returning to the Durselys, he had heard from Hermione and Ron several times, he even received the odd letter from Tonks and Mad Eye, but the one who wrote most was Remus Lupin. As it began to rain he slowly got up and returned to Privet Drive. It was empty when he returned and there was a scrawled note on the table.
Gone to Marge's. Don't touch anything!
He was sitting in his bedroom when the owl arrived. It carried a letter with the Hogwarts seal. Harry ripped it open eagerly.
Dear Mr Potter, Enclosed are your OWL results, which you took in June. I congratulate you on some excellent results and am sure you will go far in the field you claimed interest in during your career's meeting. Term starts on the first of September and I have also enclosed suggestions for your new subjects. I must remind you that no magic is permitted outside school unless in a life threatening situation.
Professor McGonagall.
OWL RESULTS
Transfiguration - E
Charms - E
Potions - E
Defence Against the Dark Arts - O
Herbology - O
Care of Magical Creatures - E
History of Magic - P
Divination - D
Astrology - A
Overall score - E
Total OWLs - 7/9
I suggest you take all the subjects you got an A in or above. Charms, potions, DADA and transfiguration would prove essential in Auror training.
Harry was shocked, especially at his potions result, he had been expecting at the most an A. he was also pleased that he had managed to scrape a P in History of Magic. Seven out of nine was a good result. The success in his OWLs wiped all other thoughts from his mind, and for a moment, just one moment, Harry was happy to be Harry Potter.
A/N I know almost exactly where I am going with this! anyway please R&R, thanks.