Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Duel

--- Chapter One ---

The New Godfather

Harry Potter had been up very early that day. His cousin Dudley couldn't sleep the night before so he woke up Harry just to bother him. Harry tried to sleep again, but he couldn't, so he tried to read some of the sixth year's textbooks, as Hermione and Ron, who were closer friends as time passed, always did. Harry remembered them and smiled, he could sense that they would be dating in no time. He was especially happy for Ron, who aimed at Hermione since fourth year, when she went out with Viktor Krum, the famous Quidditch player. They wanted to be with Harry in the holidays and in the following adventures in relation with Lord Voldemort, but Harry finally convinced them not to come to the Dursley's because they couldn't bear anything related to Magic, Harry was enough trouble already.

Harry attended to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in which he would attend to the seventh and last year, but as the former headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, had been murdered, he didn't know if it would reopen. In any case, he wasn't too convinced to return, since he was tired of Voldemort murdering the people he loved, and he wanted to dedicate to duelling and Dark Magic, that would be vital to fight Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

Harry spent two hours reading his books, but at seven o' clock he got up and went to the kitchen. He took an apple and went back to his bedroom. He looked outside of his window and was surprised to see Hedwig coming back so early, she usually went out for a week, but she returned after two days and, to his surprise, she had a broken leg and less feathers in the zone. Harry was worried so he decided to send Hedwig to Ron to see if Charlie could heal her.

While Harry wrote the letter telling Ron and Charlie what had had happened, he saw a very big red bird flying towards his window. Harry jumped to his bed and grabbed his wand, but he was both relieved and surprised when he saw that the creature was Fawkes, late Dumbledore's phoenix. 'Hello Fawkes,' Harry said. The phoenix went directly to Hedwig and dropped some tears on the owl's leg while it sang a melancholic tune, which reminded him of the phoenix's cry when Dumbledore was found dead. This memory saddened Harry. He always had been fond of his Headmaster, because he backed him up at every moment, helped him when he needed help and because he opened Hogwarts' doors when he was ten and was very mistreated by Vernon, Petunia and Dudley.

Harry approached to Fawkes and saw that Hedwig was hooting happily now that she was cured. He saw that Fawkes had a package for him, so he opened it and saw one box, one book and a letter. Harry was about to read the letter when he heared an awful shriek coming from the door. Aunt Petunia was paralyzed with fear as she had seen Fawkes. Harry ignored her and when was about to read the letter, Vernon came to the room and looked furious.

'What is that bloody creature doing in my house!' he shouted. 'Haven't I told you that I don't want any weird thing here!'

'The phoenix brought a letter to me Uncle Vernon,' Harry said, trying to avoid one more problem. 'It will go out when I finish with it'

'THEN HURRY UP!'

Both Vernon and Petunia stormed down to the kitchen, where Dudley was watching TV. Harry could realise that his relatives were treating him worse than ever since they were informed of Sirius' death. He wished that he could get out the house in little time, but it wasn't that easy. Now that Harry was quiet he grabbed the letter and read it;

Dear Harry,

I need to see you soon, so I will go to your Uncle's house tomorrow morning in order to pick you up and go to The Burrow (I am living in Ron's house taking care of Bill,who is getting better everyday and won't have any serious transformation in full moon.). I know that Dumbledore told you that you should stay in your house, but you will be much more better with us in The Burrow. I also must tell you that Dumbledore left five things to you; Fawkes, his Pensieve with all his memories, his own textbook on White and Dark Magic, his wand and Godric Gryffindor's sword. The Pensieve and the textbook are in the box, the other things are here in The Burrow. Ron is reading the letter and he wishes you a happy birthday (so do I and everyone in The Burrow).

Take care of yourself,

Remus

P.S; In the box you will find two cards, they are the invitation to Bill and Fleur's marriage and mine with Nymphadora.

P.S.2; Remember I am always here for you, whenever you want to talk with me about every subject I will listen.

P.S.3; Sirius had left you to Dumbledore's care, and Dumbledore left you to my care, so I am your new Godfather. I hope you will like it.

P.S.4: You are now seventeen, so you can do Magic outside school. Use your gift well.

Harry never had been so happy in his whole life.

Remus' letter made him realise that today was his birthday, his seventeenth birthday. He could now use Magic outside school and also could get his Apparition license, although he could already Apparate without any problem. Harry was very excited so he ran down to the kitchen to say to the Dursley's that he would be leaving the next day.

'Uncle Vernon?' Harry asked innocently. He knew his Uncle was paying attention to him because he made a noise with his mouth. 'Can I go to the Weasley's house for the rest of the holidays?'

'Yes boy,' he answered back aggresively. 'Get out as early as you can and take with you all your stupid, weird thing! And, by the way,' he added surprisingly calm. 'Have you thrown out that red thing?'

Harry was somehow unsure of what to answer. 'Er, it is a gift for me...' he said insecurely. 'And,' he added coldly. 'Fawkes isn't a thing, it is a phoenix.'

Vernon looked livid, as if he was about to kill Harry in any second. Harry wasn't scared and said, as he took out his wand. ' I am now seventeen and I am allowed to use Magic outside school, so you better not touch me.'

Aunt Petunia stumbled, Dudley rushed back upstairs and Vernon looked as if Hagrid had feinted to hit him. Harry was satisfied with this so he went back to his room. In his room he took out the invitations for the two marriages. Bill's and Fleur's was very simple, in fact it had been written by Mrs Weasley. It said;

Mr. Harry Potter,

You had been invited to assist to Bill Weasley's and Fleur Delacour's wedding in The Burrow. The wedding will be celebrated on August 17th. Please send an owl to confirm your assistance.

Fleur Delacour and Bill Weasley.

P.S: You had been chosen to be the groomsman of Bill Weasley.

Harry simply could not believe it. He had never gone to a wedding and he was asked to be the groomsman. He did not know what to do, but he decided to talk with Remus about that. Harry took out Remus' invitation, but it wasn't as he expected it. It had been handwritten by Lupin.

Dear Harry,

It is my pleasure to announce you that you are invited to my wedding party, also celebrated in The Burrow the day after Bill's and Fleur's. The reason because I have sent you a letter instead of a card is that I want you to be my best man. I hope you will like it.

Remus Lupin.

Harry didn't know what to do in this case, it was too much, but he wanted to do his best. He decided to list the different things he would need for the wedding; new dress robes, etc. He spent twenty minutes in the list and then, when he didn't know what to do, decided to practice some spells. He took out Dumbledore's textbook and began to read it.

Harry opened the book and, in the first page, he found that the book had a message. The message was;

Dear Harry,

I hope that you do not receive this great book, since it would mean that I am dead (I left it to you in my will). If you have received it, then please do not feel bad for me, remember what did Nicholas Flamel say, "Death is the next adventure." Anyway, while you read this book, remember about my duel with Lord Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic's Atrium. You will see that all the counter-curses and spells I casted are in here. It also has Dark Magic that Voldemort and his Death Eaters used. It is the only book that describes how to cast the Unforgivable Curses so please take very good care of it and do not abuse of Dark Magic. I know that it will be difficult, but remember that the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort are the ones that use this kind of Magic, killers use this Magic, and you are not a killer, you must counter-attack Dark Magic with White Magic, hatred with Love. Please remember that Love is the key to destroy Lord Voldemort, if you start to take revenge on the people who made so bad things to you, you will be as bad as they are and in the end you will be as a Death Eater or even as Tom Marvolo Riddle himself. And it is obvious to say that you should use the Killing Curse only on Voldemort.

It will be a great help on your quest if you become an Animagus, you can ask Professor Mc Gonagall to teach you. You must remember that Love is the key on finishing Lord Voldemort, so you must not fear him attacking you by killing the ones you love, you should be even much closer to the ones you love than before.Remember to stick up to those who you love, especially your great friends Ron and Hermione.

I am,yours most sincerily,

Albus Dumbledore.

Harry was completely astonished by Dumbledore's last message. He couldn't believe that someone could be so well prepared and so serene talking about his own death. Death is the next adventure... He had at last understood what it really means. Harry was also struck by the way Dumbledore had talked about Dark Magic, he now could see why did the former Headmaster never used it, he was completely different from the Death Eaters. He didn't bear any kind of hatred in his soul, only Love for the ones he loved. 'Probably this was what made him so special.' Harry thought. He also liked the idea of being an Animagus. He could follow his father's steps, or try to become a smaller animal, so that he could pass unnoticed in some places. He even thought of Hermione, Ron and him forming a group like his Dad, Sirius, Remus and Wormtail had formed. It would be a great idea, so he got up, looked for a piece of parchment and a quill and started to write a letter to Mc Gonagall.

Dear Professor Mc Gonagall,

I wanted to ask you, if you can spare some time, if you could teach Ron, Hermione and me to be Animagi. I thought that it could be of great use in our fight against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The idea has occured to Professor Dumbledore, who wrote a letter for me in the book he left to me.

Hoping that you are well,

I am,yours sincerily,

Harry Potter.

Harry grabbed the parchment, went to where Fawkes was resting and asked him to send the note to his Professor. The phoenix dropped a single golden feather from its tail nad Harry attached the note to it. There was a flash of red flame and both the feather and the note disappeared.

Harry turned back and picked up his new book. Then he went down to the first floor, passed by the kitchen and Dudley hid behind his chair, and headed towards the garden. It was a great day, with a very clear sky and a bright sun. Harry went to a bench and opened his book. He passed by Dumbledore's message and reached to Part One, "The White Magic". The first chapter of the first part was named "Stunning Spells". The first spell was the most common Stunning spell, Stupefy. Suddenly Harry had an idea, he stopped reading and said 'Kreacher!'. The house elf appeared immediately, making a loud "crack" sound. Before he could know it, Uncle Vernon was shouting and running towards the garden. Harry's Uncle seemed paralyzed when he saw Kreacher. His only reaction was, 'Take... creature... out of... here.' But Harry ignored him and took out his wand. Vernon saw this and jumped over him, but Harry was quick enough to move out from the bench. Vernon fell over the bench, broke it and was hurt. He couldn't get up so Harry tried to, but his Uncle grabbed him by his sleeve and threw him to the floor.

When Harry lied in the floor, his Uncle got up and shouted 'I DON'T WANT FILTHY CREATURES IN MY HOUSE!' while he threw a punch to Harry, but he was stopped in mid-air, Harry turned round and saw Kreacher looking fixedly at Vernon, while he said.'You filthy Muggle! How do you dare to call old Kreacher a filthy creature! You will now see what do you deserve!'

Kreacher was about to hex Uncle Vernon when Harry bellowed, 'KREACHER STOP!' The house elf stopped at that instant, but started to mumble, insulting Harry because of being a Half-Blood. Harry took no offense, picked up his wand that had fallen to the floor, and mumbled 'Finite Incantatem' aiming at his Uncle. Vernon fell to the floor and was so terryfied that ran back to the house.

Harry turned back to Kreacher. 'Kreacher,' Harry said. 'get something for me to practice spells'

'Yes Master'

Kreacher Dissaparated and Harry was left alone in the garden, receiving all the warmth that the sun was giving out. Harry read all the chapter that talked about Stunning spells and then realised that he was starving. He went inside and saw that there were two sandwiches in a plate for him. Harry ate them in two minutes and then went to his bedroom. He lied down to rest for some time and, when he was about to doze off, a flash of red flame interrupted his attempt of napping. Harry saw the golden feather falling to the floor with McGonagall's reply attached. He picked up the note, whispered a quick 'Thanks' to Fawkes and proceeded to read the reply.

Mr. Potter,

It will be a pleasure to help you and your firends in your quest of finishing off The He Who Must Not Be Named. I would prefer to start immediately, so I will pick you up at your Uncle's house today at five o'clock in the afternoon. I beg you to have your trunk ready by that time.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva Mc Gonagall

Harry was happier than before, he couldn't believe that everything was happening too fast and too good also. It was three o'clock in the afternoon, in only two hours he would be going to the Burrow! He looked at his things and saw that his things were still unpacked. He was very lazy at that moment so he tried to pack everything without any order. After fifteen minutes, Harry was very impatient and took everything out of his trunk. Suddenly, Harry remembered how had Tonks packed his things two years ago, when Mad-Eye Moody, Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Dedalus Diggle, Elphias Doge, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore and Hestia Jones picked him up at the Dursey's.

'Oh damn...' Harry said to himself. 'What was the name? Pack! Yes it was pack!'

Harry grabbed his wand, pointed it to his trunk, then moved the wand like making a circle and mumbled 'Pack!'. Every possesion he needed was carefully doubled and put into the trunk, that closed with a soft click. After that, Harry softly stroked Fawkes in his head. Fawkes sang a tune that made Harry joyful. Harry opened Hedwig's cage and let the snowy owl out.

'Fawkes, Hedwig,' Harry said. 'Go to The Burrow and stay with Errol and Pig, I'll be there in a while.' The owl looked at his new owner and took off to Ron's house. Fawkes screeched and flashed to The Burrow.

Harry went down to the living room and saw that nobody was there. He had remembered that he had to tell his family that he was finally going to Ron's house at five o'clock. He went to every room in the house, but nobody was in the house, so he wrote down in a paper that he was going to go to a friend's house for the rest of the holidays.

Harry looked at his watch and could see that it only was half past two, and didn't know what to do in the meantime. Harry went back to his room and tried to sleep, but when he was about to fall asleep, the doorbell rang. Harry was fuming and stormed down to the entrance. When he opened the door, he found Hermione standing at the doorstep with a broad smile.

Hermione ran at Harry and hugged him. 'Harry! How are you?' she asked.

'Hermione!' almost shouted Harry, who was very surprised by her visit. 'How do you do?'

'I'm great Harry, how are you?'

'I'm very well luckily. What are you doing here?'

'Professor Mc Gonagall owled me asking whether I could go to your house so that she could pick us up both in the same place... Did you know that she will be the new Headmistress of Hogwarts?' Harry's expression darkened as she talked about Hogwarts and specially about Dumbledore's sustitute. She realised this and immediately changed the subject. 'Do you know how's Ron doing?'

Harry smiled and said. 'Are you, by chance, thinking about dating with Ron?'

'Er... um... yes... How on earth did you know!' said Hermione shocked.

'It is really obvious Hermione... both of you are being very close since Ron kicked out his dear Lav-Lav.'

Hermione laughed and said. 'It's true... but do you think that I can stand any chance?'

'I'm sure you will, you only have to ask him out, because if you wait till he gathers the necessary guts, we will have to wait till next year!'

Hermione laughed and they started to talk about their holidays – Hermione had gone to Germany just to visit – and before they realised, it was five o'clock and the doorbell rang again. Harry got up and went to open the door. Minerva Mc Gonagall was standing on the doorstep and said, 'Hello Harry and Hermione, do you have your trunks ready?'

'Yes professor,' Harry answered, took his wand out and said, 'Accio trunks'. Both Harry's and Hermione's were there. Mc Gonagall was satisfied so she said, ' Then please grab this branch – it is a Portkey – when I count three you will be transported to The Burrow. One... Two and Three!'

Harry felt as if he was jerked forwards and the next thing he knew was that he was standing in The Burrow's dining room and all the Order of the Phoenix and the Weasleys were standing, saluting both Hermione and him.