Hello people. Welcome to my new story of 'Reading Harry Potter and the Gift of Memories'. For those of you who read the fanfic I'm sure you'll like this one, for those of you who didn't I suggest reading it along with the Heir of Slytherin. I got permission from the writer of the fanfic to do this so don't worry. Now, enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and the Gift of Memories
Chapter 1: The Memory Chapter
When Harry close the door, Lisa broke down crying. She isn't gonna see him for months and it'll be painful months for her. Anastasia knelt down and comfort her distraught daughter. She hates seeing her daughter like this, but she knows that Lisa won't be same until Harry gets back. She'll miss the boy to. For as long as she met him, she always thought of him as her own son. It's gonna be long months for of them.
Suddenly, a light engulf them and they disappear.
(Unknown Mansion)
When the light was gone, Lisa and Anastasia look around the room wildly. What just happen? What was that light? What is this place? How did they get here?
The room look like a British living room. There's a soft couch in the middle, with a fire in the front. There are others couches and chairs in front of it as well. There is a desk at the side of the couch and the walls color are hazel brown.
"Mom? Where are we?" Lisa asked, a little bit scared. If you just teleported in a room you never seen before wouldn't you be scared.
"I don't know sweetie," Anastasia said, keeping herself calm. She need to be calm for her daughter. Suddenly, a note appear and landed in Anastasia's hand. The two Crawfts look at each other confuse, before Anastasia decided to read.
Dear Lisa and Anastasia,
You are here to read a book about your best friend and the boy you think as a son. The book is called Harry Potter and the Gift of Memories. Before you read, know that everything in the book is 100 percent true. Also, a few people that know Harry and are from the future will appear shortly. Happy reading,
Merlin
Lisa and Anastasia look at each other, shock. Did they just hear, what they think they just heard?
"Merlin? THE Merlin?" Lisa said. Even though she mostly read romance books, even she heard about the the legendary Merlin. Suddenly, she turn excited, "And we're going to read about Harry's life?"
Anastasia shook her head, amuse at her daughter's enthusiasm. She really make so obvious that she got a crush on him, although it seems like it's more than a crush. Suddenly, another glow came in and nine people appeared.
One is a bubbly girl is bubbly girl, with blond hair shape into pigtails and blue eyes. Another is a redheaded girl with brown eyes and a freckle on her nose. She look to be extremely shy and is looking down at her shoes. Next is a chubby kid with black hair, who look a little timid, but with some confidence. Then is a bushy hair girl, with large teeth on the front and a mousy looking face. You can tell she's a bookworm from the way she's holding that book in her hand. Next is a boy with cut brown hair and steely eyes. He look to be very skinny from the way they see. Then is a girl with raven like hair and brown eyes. She's really tall and look willowy. Next is a girl with curly brown hair that is in a ponytail and brown eyes. She look bubbly like the girl and is about average height. Then is a italian boy with brown skin, short black hair, and slanted eyes. He look to be clever and observant. And lastly, is a cold looking girl, with long blond hair and icy blue eyes. She look beautiful out of all the girls, but deadly as wells.
It was a quiet for a few minutes until someone decided to break the silence.
"What the hell is goin on?!"
And that was Tracey Davis.
"Language Tracey,"
"Oh, shut it Hermione"
Anastasia and Lisa decided to explain what happening and what they now. Most look surprise, except Blaise and Daphne, who merely got one of their eyebrows raised.
"Well, let introduce ourselves shall we?" Daphne said with a bit of sarcasm. Lisa Crawft started first.
"My name is Lisa Crawft, nice to meet you," Lisa said, smiling at everyone
"My name is Anastasia Crawft, Lisa's mother," Anastasia said, giving everyone a warm smile.
"My name is Hannah Abbot, nice to meet you two," Hannah said cheerfully.
"My name is Susan Bones," Susan said shyly, looking down at her shoes with a blush.
"My name is Neville Longbottom," Neville said, shyly as well. Lisa snicker a little when she heard longbottom, until she was hit in the back of her head by her mom.
"My name is Lisa Turpin," Lisa said, bowing to everyone. Hannah look confused.
"Wait a minute, if we got two Lisa's, how can we say the names without getting both of them," Hannah asked. Anastasia thought about for a minute, then got an idea.
"How about we use their first letter of their last name and use that," Everyone agreed to the idea, then started back introducing each other.
"My name is Terry Boot," Terry said, waving at the Crawfts.
"My name is Tracey Davis," Tracey said, waving at the Crawfts and grin.
"My name is Hermione Granger, nice to meet you," Hermione said smiling.
"My name is Blaise Zabini," Blaise said quietly. Now, it is Daphne turn.
"And my name is Daphne Greengrass," Daphne said coldly. Lisa C. and Anastasia flinch, not use to it.
Tracey pick up the book from the stool and open it, "So are we going to read or what?" Everyone nodded and Tracey open the book to read.
"Memories of a Time Since Past,"
"So we are going to see one of his memories?" Lisa said, a little confuse.
"Hello my little Harry," a woman with fiery red hair and beautiful green eyes. I knew her face. I saw it when the world is not dark.
"Is that his mom?" Lisa C. asked. She got a nod from Susan and Hannah. When she saw the questioning looks, sheblush and decided to explain how she knew.
"My auntie gave us a picture of her when we ask about Harry's parent," Susan said, still in her shy mode. She need to get used to Lisa C.
"How's my little man?"
I didn't really what she was saying, not everything, but the feeling of warmth I felt when she was near made everything else not matter. I would giggle when she would make funny face or play with my hands and tickle my feet. Every time I saw her, I was happy.
"Awwww," all the girl, except Daphne, said though she had a small smile at that.
"Mum! Mum!" I giggle and laughed. So did the woman. She like it when I called her mum.
"Of course. Every mother like it when their child call them mum, especially for the first time," Anastasia said, speaking from experience. She burst to tears when she heard her daughter say that when she was one.
As she continued to play with me, I saw something around her neck, dangling and and swaying around as she moved. It was round, and big, and shiny.
I wanted it.
As if responding to my want I felt something swell up inside of me. I didn't know what it was, but I had felt this way a few times before. I knew what was going to happen.
Everyone leaned forward to the book, waiting for Tracey to read the next lines.
The pendant lifted itself around the woman's neck and made it's way to me. I held out my hands and grabbed a hold of the shiny things, smiling as I began to chew it.
Everyone eyes went wide and their jaws drop. Tracey drop the book and let it land on the floor. Harry did accidental magic that young? AND ON PURPOSE?! Meanwhile, the Crawft are thinking on what Harry just did and was it magic.
The woman gave a surprised gasp, but I wasn't really paying attention anymore. "James! James you have to come here and see this!"
A little ways over from the door that led to the room opened and walked in a man with messy raven hair and brown mischievous eyes hidden behind a pair of wire frame glasses.
"That's Harry's dad," Susan told anyone who doesn't know. They nodded.
"See what Lils? Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong, but our little Harry had just had first bout of accidental magic?" Lily said excitingly.
"MAGIC?!" the Crawft women cried out, shock to the very core. Harry is a wizard? The wizards and witches saw the looks and sighed. This might take a while.
Hermione decided to explain, "Harry is a wizard, a half-blood to be exact. Born of a pureblood, a person born of two wizards, and muggle, a person without magic, or a muggleborn, a wizard born of two muggles. His father is a pureblood and his mother is a muggleborn." To say the two non-magic users are shock is an understatement. Magic is real. Suddenly, Lisa tear up. Why didn't Harry tell her? They are best friends, so why didn't he? Susan saw this and decided to explain.
"Harry wasn't allow to tell. If a muggle, who isn't related by blood or marriage, finds out about magic, the person who told them or use magic while they were there, will to sent to our prison and the muggle memories will be wiped out. If Harry would have told you, he would be in prison and your memories of him will be wiped." she said gently. Lisa's eyes widen. She doesn't want Harry to be in jail. And she certainly doesn't want the memory of him wiped.
After a few minutes, Tracey started back reading.
"What?"
James walk over to the two of use and look at me. Blinking as I saw this new person that I knew in front of me, I stopped gnawing at my shiny thing long enough to look at the man, before going back to my previous activity.
"Uh, does anyone else notice that Harry got really intelligents thoughts for a one year old?" Terry asked. Some nodded, while others just notice.
"You sure he did accidental magic Lils? I mean, magic of his age is completely unheard of. He's not even one yet."
"Which is why we are really surprise," Lisa T. said. "If Harry can do accidental magic at that age, how powerful is he now?" Some of the wizards/witches are thinking the same thing, while Lisa and Tracey is thinking Awesome!
"I know what I saw," Lily said firmly, "Watch this."
She gently pried the pendant out of my grip. Seeing my new toy gone, I reach out with my hands to get it back, but Lils move it out of my reach.
For a moment, I thought about crying. That usually get me what I want. But Lils who liked it when I call her mum and James who liked being called da didn't like it when I cried. They always got very sad. I didn't like it when they were sad, so I didn't cry.
"Wow. Harry was even smart before he was even one," Hermione said, shock. Of course you would be shock if a baby could think like that.
"And thoughtful as well," Susan said, smiling.
I still wanted my shiny though, so I held out my hands again and reached out for that warm feeling that let me to lift the pendant again. The pendant, once again slipped from around Lils' neck and floated into my hands.
James blinked, opened his mouth, closed it, then blink again. Finally, he said, "um…Lily, I don't think that was accidental. It seemed pretty deliberate to me."
Lily scoffed, "now who's sounding far-fetched. A one year old using wandless magic? Really James?"
"We would've thought that to, if we hadn't just read it." Tracey said, "A one year using magic. Damn"
"Language, Tracey!"
"Right, sorry."
James rubbed the back of his head, "well maybe this is natural for him. After all, the prophecy said he would defeat the dark lord.
"What prophecy?" All the magic users, Lisa C., and Anastasia asked at the same time. The two Crawfts are wondering who the dark lord is as well, but decided to ask later. Or rather, Anastasia decided to ask later and keeping her daughter quiet.
Maybe he just super powerful." As if someone flipped a switch James began to gush and wiped crocodile tears from his eyes, "I'm so… proud…my son is going to be more powerful than Merlin! Just wait until I show him ropes and get him all ready to go to Hogwarts!"
"James Potter! I will not have you teach my child to be a Delinquent like you and your Marauder friends!" Lily said in a scolding tone.
James was instantly cowed, "Yes, dear."
"Whipped," Tracey and Lisa C. muttered. They got whacked by Daphne and Anastasia, respectively.
The scene began to change, Lily and James disappeared and I was alone.
Shouting reach my ears.
"Lily, take Harry and go! It's him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off!"
"Fool, you think you can defeat me without with your wand? Avada Kadavera!"
The magic-user gasp in shock, realization, and horror. The two Crawfts look at them, confused.
"Uh, why are you gasping?" Lisa C. asked. Neville look at her with a solemn expression.
"It's the day James and Lily were attacked. The day they were killed," Lisa C. and Anastasia gasp. He's remembering the day of his parent's death?
The door burst open and Lily rushed in. Seeing the woman, I smiled and got to my feet.
"Mum!" I held out my hands. "We play now?"
But my mom did not play with me. Instead of coming over to pick me up like she usually did, she began pushing large objects in front of the door. I watched, curious. What was she doing? Was this a new game?
Only after she had put every big object in the room in front of the door did she walk over to me. I smiled and held out my hands. "Mum! Mum!" She smiled at me and gently rubbed my head, "We play now?"
"I'm sorry, Harry," even though mum was smiling, I saw that she was crying.
Just like most of the girls in the room. The only one who isn't crying is Daphne, though she gots a few unshed tears.
"You sad? Got boo boo?"
Mum sniffed a bit, her head shaking back and forth. What is going on? Why was mum crying?
Only a few seconds after mum came in did the door burst open, exploding and sending all of the objects that have been previously used as a barricade away.
Now, the readers are getting in suspense and a little bit afraid of what gonna come out.
In walked a very tall man with very pale skin, dark hair and dark eyes. I didn't know him. He wasn't uncle padfoo, moony, or wormy. Who was he?
"You-Know-Who," Lisa T. whispered with slight fear. The other magic users look deathly afraid as well. Lisa C. and Anastasia burrow their eyebrow in confusion. What are they talking about? Why aren't they saying his real name. Lisa C. was about to ask, but Daphne gave her a look that says, 'don't'.
"Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry!" Lily pleaded as she turn around to face the man.
The man merely laughed and stalked forward, "Stand aside, you silly girl…stand aside, now…" he hissed. His voice sounded kind of like that one snake that I spoke to that lived in our flowers.
"He's a parseltongue?!" All the magic-users said in unision. The two Crawfts look at them in, once again, confusion.
"What's a parseltongue?" Lisa C. asked. Hermione decided to explain it to them.
"Parseltongue is a rare language that a few wizards have. It's the language of snakes. Most wizards and witches believe that if someone speak that language, then they are evil," Lisa C. glare at her, making her go back on what she said, "Not that Harry is evil, I mean. It's just a popular belief," Lisa C. conceded at that and Tracey went back to reading.
Except that snake sounded nice. This man does not sounded nice. He sounded cold.
Everyone thought that they do not want to find out what he sounds like.
"Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead!" Lily begged
"I won't tell you again, stand aside!" the snake-man ordered.
"Not Harry, please…have mercy…have mercy…" Lily is sobbing by now.
"He's not gonna listen," Nevilles said, sadly. The magic-users nodded in agreement, all of them heard stories of the Dark Lord. The girls are also crying as well, at the sad beginning.
I didn't know what was going on. I didn't understand. Why was mum crying? Why did this man wanted her to move? Did he want something from me?
"Stand aside!" the man all but roared at Lily.
Something seemed to change in the woman once she realized that the snake creature would not be swayed. Lily turned, putting him back in his crib despite his gurgled protest. When he looked her in the eyes he saw something different, they had been afraid before but now they were smoldering. She turned back around and glared defiantly at the Snake-man, "no."
"Wow, Harry's mother is really brave," Lisa C. said, amaze and wiping a few tears. The others nodded in agreement and a few started a few tears as well.
"Foolish girl," the man pointed the odd stick that mum, dad, and the others used to do their magic. "Avada Kedavra!"
A flash of green light hit mum. I saw as she fell to the floor and went still.
And a bunches of dams erupted when they heard that. Susan and Hannah were holding each other sobbing for their friend, Lisa C. hold on to her mom heavily crying, Lisa T. and Hermione is crying softly, as well as Neville and Terry, even Blaise and Daphne got a few tears.
"Mum! Mum!" I called out to her, but she did not answer. She just continue to lay there, not moving.
"Mum! Mum! Mum!" I felt scared. Mum wasn't saying anything. She wasn't getting up. She wasn't moving at all. What was wrong with her? Why wasn't she moving?
That got the people to cry harder at Harry's thought, especially Lisa C.
The man walked over to me. I looked up at him and felt both angry and scared. Mum wasn't moving because of this man. That green light he created caused mum to stop moving!
"By the way," Lisa C. said, after she stopped crying, "What was that? That Abra Kadavra thing,"
"Avada Kedavra," Hermione automatically corrected, then started to explain, her tone a little bit scared, "And that spell is the killing curse, one of the three forbidden curse and the top one. It literally, rip out your soul," The two Crawfts breaths hitched at that.
After a few seconds of silence, Mrs. Crawft ask a little bit shakily, "What are the other two?"
The wizards were silent for a moment, then Daphne said, "The Imperius Curse," and Neville said, "The Torturing Curse,". The two mundanes paled at that. They wouldn't want to be put in that kind of spells. And Lisa C. knows what Imperious means, because Harry explain it to her.
"You hurt mum!"
"Yes," the man laughed, amused. "I hurt mum. And now, I am going to hurt you to!" The man raised his stick at me. "Avada Kedavra!"
"NO!" Everyone yelled, Lisa C., Susan, and Daphne the loudest.
The green light shot from his stick and hit me. It hurt. It hurt a lot. And I cried. I cried for mum, and dad, and unca padfoo to make this hurting stop.
No one came. All I could hear was the man laughing at me, then a shriek of outrage followed by a cry and then nothing. My world turned dark.
Lisa C. started hyperventilating and Anastasia had a hard time calming her down. Daphne saw this and decided to help.
"Calm down." Daphne said, a little bit sternly, "Harry is still alive. You know that right?" Lisa calm down at that. She's right. Harry's still alive and breathing.
"But how?" Anastasia asked, curious. It killed his mother, so why didn't it kill him?
"No one really knows." Lisa T. said, "All we know is that it backfired on Voldemort and killed him," The magic users nodded on that. She's correct.
Brilliant green eyes snapped open and found themselves staring at the white ceiling they had grown up seeing for the past ten years of his life.
'I really love those eyes,' Most of the girls thought, even Daphne. Those eyes are really beautiful, but fierce and dangerous. Like an emerald, but with the killing curse glow.
The room was dim, the only light source being the small trickle of sunlight that streamed in through the blinds and let him know the sun was beginning to rise. Seeing how the day was starting and and he would unlikely to be getting back to sleep anyways, Harry James Potter sat up in his bed with a heavy sigh, his hands going up to massage his forehead.
It was that dream again, one of the many that haunted his sleep.
'One of the many?' Everyone thought, curious/worried.
This was nothing new to Harry, while his meditation allowed him to clear his mind and lock his memories away during the day so they wouldn't bother him, there was nothing stopping them from coming out during the night when he fell asleep. It was unfortunate side effect of sleep, all mental functions, including any defense he crafted within his mind shut down while sleeping.
Some ask "Why does he need to lock his memories?" while others said "He can use occulmency (I don't know how to spell it, so don't say anything)?". The group was confuse, shock, or both.
Memories. Those were what he saw every night when he shut his eyes and allowed the sand man to claim him.
Some look shock at the revelation. That what he dreams of every night? And they just saw the perfect memory of his parents killed?
Unlike most people whose dreams were often inconsequential, unusual, sometimes downright silly, and rarely remembered with any clarity, Harry Potter always remembered his dreams, they were of things he could never, would never, forget.
Everyone was even more shock. He remembers every dream he had? If so, then he remember everything he did, everywhere he went, and everyone he met?
The reason for this was simple as it was complex, Harry had what was known as Eidetic Memory, that is, he had the ability to perfectly recall anything he had ever seen or done with the same clarity of vision as if the event being remembered happened just a few seconds ago. Every sight, sound, scent, touch, and taste that he had ever had the pleasure or displeasure of experiencing was locked away within his mind never to be forgotten.
By now everyone had their jaws dropping. Harry can remember EVERYTHING?!
'Well, that explains why he does good at school' Hermione thought, frowning with a little bit of jealousy for that ability. She would give up collections of books for that gift.
'That explains why he doesn't like to watch the same movie twice and how he remember everyone name and face' Lisa C. thought. Most was having similiar thoughts, like Hermione and Lisa C.
It was as much of a blessing as it was a curse.
Some wonder why it would be a curse (Lisa C., Terry, Hannah, Hermione and Tracey) while others nodded in understanding.
Tracey, being the loudmouth, decided to speak for Terry, Hannah, Hermione, and Lisa C. "Why would be bad? I mean, you can use that to pass every single test!" Daphne shook her head. She need to explain it to her why it was bad.
"Tracey, imagine that you've been a slave for the Malfoy and been violated in the worse of ways." The magic-users shuddered. No being wants to be a slave for the Malfoys, "And imagine, having to remember that time forever and will never going away from your mind. The physical pain, emotional pain, and their faces when they violate you," Tracey paled. No one would live in that trauma. Even she knows that. The others who thought it would be cool/useful, paled like Tracey and quickly change their mind.
"Okay, I admit it. That would be a curse, but really Daphne. The Malfoys? Did you have to give us the mental image," Tracey said, with a shudder along with the others. That is a thought that you wouldn't wish on your worse enemy. Lisa C. and Anastasia look confuse. Who are they talking about?
"Um, who are the Malfoys?" Lisa C. asked. Some have angry looks, while others barely contain it.
"It'll say in the book," Lisa T. manage to grit out. Lisa and Anastasia look surprise. From what they saw, Lisa T. is the most calmest of the group, next to Daphne and Blaise, so they are surprise to see her angry. They decided to drop it and started back reading.
Turning his head and opening his eyes, he looked around the room that had been his since he was six. It was small, the smallest room at the Dursley's house on number four, Privet Drive in Surrey. Originally it had belonged to cousin, Dudley, and was used by him to store all of his all of his toys and junnk that he never used or had broken but didn't to throw away.
"Wait a minute," Hermione said, with a hint of worry in her voice, "If Harry didn't sleep in that room at first, where else did he slept at?" That all got most of the others worrying and wondering as well. The only one who isn't is Daphne, since she already knows about his past.
It was only after Harry had, come into his own so to speak, that he had ended up getting the room for himself. Dudley hadn't been happy about that,
"Brat," Lisa C. and Tracey muttered. The others agreed as well, even Anastasia.
neither had his parents for that matter, but there really hadn't been much they could do about it either way.
Most of Harry's friend and Anastasia worries increased a little bit. Just what is the relationship between the Dursleys and Harry? Also, how did he get that room if the Dursleys didn't want him to get it.
Despite it's small size, it was not lacking in quality materials. His bed while small, was made from a rich rosewood and had a dark, forest green bed spread. Next to the door was an armoire, and over to his left, right under the window, was a desk and chair, all of which were made from the same rich rosewood as his bed.
The people who are not purebloods/half bloods, were shock at the quality of his furniture in his room. How did he get all that?
"Wow," the non nobles said, a little bit jealous.
These amenities had taken quite a bit of his hard earned savings from the various jobs he did over the summer to buy, but he considered them worthwhile investments, especially when taking into account what he had been force to use before.
"Wait. he had to do many jobs at a young age?" Hermione asked, horrified that someone that young would work like that. Lisa C. nodded and bit lip her lip. She really don't want to admit it, but she was worried that Harry overexerting himself. Kinda the reason why she nag him about it.
Deciding that it was time to get up and start his morning routine,
Neville shivered at that. He remembered that routine. How can one person survive all that and not get tired? And ENJOY it?
Harry slid out of bed, his bare feet hitting the soft carpet. His left hand came up and waved over at the armoire, while he walked over to the desk. As slid open one of the drawers, the armoire rattled for a moment, before the doors opened up on their own accord. Likewise, the two drawers on the bottom of the piece of furniture slid open as well.
The magic-users are now slacked jaw and wide eyes. They all thought one thing, even Hermione thought it as well.
WHAT THE HELL!?
" Bloody hell, he can use wandless magic!?"
"Language, Tracey!"
"Oh, don't tell me you haven't thought that,"
"..."
"Yeah, thought so,"
Harry's handreached into the desk and pulled the sports watch he bought for himself a few weeks back. He didn't put in on just yet, instead setting it down on the desk and turning a moment after the armoire opened, seemingly of it's own accord.
Several articles of clothing came out from within the standing closet, a pair of black running shorts, a white sleeveless shirt, socks, briefs, and a pair of black running shoes. They floated to Harry, who grabbed them one-by-one and put them on. Only after the last article of clothing had been placed did he grab the watch and attached it to his wrists.
He looked down at his watch, checking the time. It was four o'clock in the morning, meaning it was unlikely that anyone else in the household was even awake at the moment. That was good, it meant Harry wouldn't be disturbed when he came back from his morning exercise. With those thoughts in mind, Harry made his way outside.
No one look surprise about that. Everyone knows that Harry is a exercise fanatic. Neville shiver again when he remember the exercixe, no torture, he been put through.
Suddenly, a screen and note flash in. Anastasia picked up the not and read it out loud.
Dear, magic-users and non magic-users.
I decided to show it as a realistic comic book on screen, when you read it. Also, when there are fight scenes, it will show as moving picture movie. Enjoy.
Merlin,
Lisa C. and Anastasia is wondering why there will be fighting and is a little bit worried, while the magic-users paled, remembering the three incidents. The troll, the broom, and Voldemort. Harry getting injured in two of the incidents.
Suddenly, the screen turn on and it show Harry in his attires. Lisa C., Susan, Daphne, Hermione and Lisa T. blush at the clothing he's wearing in while Tracey and Hannah stare at intensely. Anastasia gave her daughter an amuse look when she saw her blush while part of her is glad that her husband isn't here.
The air is crisp, cool, and refreshing. The perfect atmosphere to work up a good sweat, Harry decided as he locked the door and began going through his morning stretches, bending over and touching his toes, twisting his torso from side to side, stretching his arms behind his back and over his head.
The girls blush/stare intensely even more, while Neville and Terry got envious stares.
He was a bit stiff this morning, no doubt this came from the particular memory the had chosen to haunt his dreams last night.
Everyone wince, remembering reading that part.
"Poor Harry," Susan and Lisa C. mumbled, unknowingly, at the same time.
It took a bit longer to limber up because of that, bu that was alright, he had woken up a little earlier than usual anyways.
As soon as he finished his stretches, Harry hit a button on his watch to start the timer and began his run. Harry made his way to the park, varying his speed from a light jog, to a full out sprint, going from a straight, to zigzag patterns. He always liked to mix up his workout routine, sometimes just jogging, other times sprinting, and sometimes doing intervals like he was now. It helped keep his body from getting to used to his workouts. When Harry got to the park he began the next part of his routine, push ups, sit ups, pull ups, squats, and suicides.
The girls blush heavily again or is drooling at the strains of his muscles.
By the time he had finished his body had the pleasant ache of someone who had worked his muscles arduously.
"THE ACHES ARE PLEASANT?!" Neville shouted in horror. Then mumble how Harry is mental, insane, and more.
This was something Harry did almost every morning. Five days a week he would wake up in the morning and worked his body through exercises. Sometimes he would he push himself to the brink, doing everything he could to break past his physical boundaries, other times, like today, he would only do what he considered a light warm up.
There were shouts of "A LIGHT WARM UP?!" or "THAT WASN'T PUSHING HIMSELF TO THE BRINK?!" in the room. Even the two Crawfts shouted that since they didn't know the full extent of the exercise.
He couldn't afford to let his body into a swollen bruise due to his plans today. After finishing his work out, Harry headed back home at a light jog.
Physically, not much had changed in the Dursleys household. The living room was almost identical to the night when Harry had been dropped on the Dursleys doorsteps.
Some of the people look horrified. How can a family live so…dull? No one could! Or so they thought.
Only the photographs on the mantlepiece really showed how much time had passed. Ten years ago, there had been lots of picture of what looked like a large pink beach ball wearing different-colored bonnets - but Dudley Dursley was no longer a baby,
Neville and Terry are snickering, Susan, Hannah, and Anastasia are giggling, though they were trying to hold it, Daphne and Blaise got small smiles on their faces, and Tracey and Lisa C. downright laugh. Hermione and Lisa T. turn a little bit green at the image.
and now the photographs showed a large blond pig-faced boy
Now most of them turn green at the image, except for Lisa C. and Anastasia, since they already saw him before. How is a boy that fat?
riding his first bicycle, on a carousel at the fair, playing a computer game with his father, being hugged and kissed by his mother.
"Seriously, why is Merlin showing us this?" Tracey complained, seeing that picture. It's just wrong to look at. Everyone else, even Hermione, ask the same thing.
Then Tracey look at the picture of the uncle and eyes widen, along with the others who never met the Dursleys before. Is that a man or a walrus?
Like all things except Harry's bedroom, this room showed no sign of him even living there.
That was fine with him, he had never truly considered the Dursley's to be family in any case. There was more to family than just relation by blood.
Anastasia's eyes narrowed, her motherly instincts is sensing something wrong while Lisa C. is worried for her best friend along with the others. What did those families do to him?
Harry soon entered the bathroom, disrobing from his now sweat covered clothes, He turned on the shower and stepped in.
Lisa C., Tracey, and Hannah moan in disappointment of not getting to see the boy in the buff, before getting hit by their respective friend or in Lisa C. case, mother.
Rather than start cleaning himself right away, Harry pressed his palms against the walls and let the water hit his back. It was cold, starting out at least, but soon warmed up to the point where the room began to get covered in steam. After about a minute or two of simply letting the now hot water run down his form, Harry grabbed a bar of soap and began cleaning himself off. With his free hand, he gestured towards a bottle of shampoo, which lifted off the lip of the tub and floated towards him, stopping only after it had moved above his head. The small lid opened up and began to pour a dollop sized drop on his head. before settling back down in it's original spot.
Everyone gaped again, still not used to his ability.
"He seriously need to teach me that," Tracey finally said with a grin, with Hermione, Lisa T., and Terry nodding in agreement. Daphne sighed and turn to Tracey.
"Tracey, we don't the patience, skills, or knowledge to do it," As the brunette was about to object, Daphne hold out her hand to keep her silent, "Harry started doing this at a very young age. He got eidetic memory and the knowledge to use those memories. He also got the patient enough to learn over the years. Tell me, do you have eidetic memory? Do you have the knowledge to use it? Are you patient enough?" Tracey sighed in defeat, along with the others who wanted to learn. Daphne is right. They are not Harry.
After he was done cleaning his hair into a fine lather before rinsing off. Soon after he finished cleaning, Harry turned off the water, stepped out, grabbed a towel, and began drying off. It was while he was doing this that he caught his figure in the fogged that he caught his figure in the fogged up mirror.
Everyone leaned in, eager/curious to see what his body look likes.
At nearly eleven years of age, Harry Potter was slightly above average in height. His body was very lean, and likely always would be, but where most children his age were just skinny, Harry's form was possessing a hard, whip corded muscles. Everywhere he looked he could see the outlines of his muscles, including the beginnings of a six pack. It wasn't as defined as some of the more athletic boys that had started puberty, but it was well above that of any child his age should possess.
Many of the girls were blushing and drooling at his form, also got some naughty thoughts as well. Even Anastasia, who have a husband, got a light blush on her face. The guys feel envious of Harry. Seriously, no normal boy shouldn't have that much muscle.
Some of the more observant people notice that the picture screen seem to fog up around Harry's body, so they couldn't see the exact detail.
Harry knew the reasons why, of course. Or at least, he had a theory on why he had more muscles than a child his age should be capable of getting. But without any true knowledge on the subject, he didn't dare put his theory to the test.
"I wonder what his prediction is," Hermione muttered, with some of the smarter people thinking the same thing.
Aside from his rather impressive physics, for a ten year old going on eleven year old anyways, Harry got several scars that were on his back and chest.
"WHAT?!" Everyone screamed in horror, Susan, Daphne, Lisa C., and Anastasia the loudest. Even if Daphne know about his past, he didn't tell her about the scars.
"W-w-who did that?" Susan said shakily, tears forming in her eyes. Most of the girls got tears in their eyes as well, while the guys clench their fist in anger. Nobody notice Daphne looking away. She know who exactly did it. But she's not gonna tell them, of respect for Harry. That doesn't mean the book is gonna keep silent.
Most were nothing serious, his uncle had rarely done anything that could cause physical evidence of the damage he used to,
"HIS UNCLE DID THIS?!" Anastasia raged, her teeth grinding and fist clenching. The others feel the same as well, even Susan is showing her rare case of anger.
"Did he told anyone about this?" Susan asked quietly. Tracey brain suddenly click and she turn to Daphne, who is looking away from everyone.
"He told you Daphne?" Tracey asked. Everyone heard it and turn to Daphne. After a few minutes of intense staring, Daphne sighed in annoyance and gave up.
"Fine. He told during the month before christmas break," Tracey eyes widen in realization and nodded, while the others look confused and/or hurt, especially Lisa C. Why did he told her, but not them?
Daphne saw this and sighed in annoyance, "It'll be explain in the book," After that, they started back reading.
but there were a few on his back that he got from lashings with his uncle's belt.
Everyone flinch when they saw those scars on his back and some turn green or tearing up some more at this.
Of course, there was also the prominent scar on his forehead shaped into a lightning bolt, the scar he got when his parents died.
Everyone flinch again and felt sympathy and sorrow for Harry. He got a hard life, yet came up intelligent, kind, ambitious, brave, and loyal. The only one isn't feeling sympathy is Daphne, who feel the same respect for him like he did her. If you can look close, you can a small smile.
Harry shrugged the thoughts of his scars (Battle wounds, Harry often joked) off a second later and got into his room and changed into a set of snug black jeans, a green shirt that match his eyes, and a pair of converse.
The girls nodded in approval of the look, even Tracey. It's a good combination for him.
He spent the next half an hour sitting down on the floor, in a crossed legged position, with his eyes closed and his breathing slow and controlled. Harry usually did this every day in order to help clear his thoughts so he could think without being inundated with random memories. It didn't keep them away, but meditation at least ensured that he would not be bothered by them.
"Smart," Hermione said, with Daphne, Terry, and Lisa T. nodding in agreement. Lisa C., Hannah, and Tracey scrunch up their noses. How can anyone do that for 30 minutes, it's so boring.
When he finished the clock read six on the dot.
Finally finished, Harry made his way to the kitchen. He grabbed several bowls and two pans from a cupboard, some eggs, milk, cheese, and butter from the fridge, and flour and sugar from the pantry. He turned on the stove, put the two pans on different burners before placing a spoonful butter on each. He started placing the ingredients in the bowl, cracking the eggs and mixing in the flour and milk, adding the sugar and some butter. As he worked in mixing the ingredients into a fine batter he hummed a little to himself.
"He can cook?" Tracey asked, surprise by this. Lisa C. and Anastasia nodded their head, with big smiles on their faces.
"Yes, he can cook real good," Lisa C, stated a little bit dreamily and hungrily. "Me and mom tried his food before and it is the best." Then she frowned, "I can't believe he cook for those monsters,"
Most nodded in agreement and frown like her. They all share one thing, other than their friendship with Harry. The growing hatred for the Dursleys.
He had learned to enjoy cooking in the past five years, and had taken several cooking courses over one of his summers. His love of cooking was really one of the only reasons he still made breakfast and dinner for the Dursleys when ever he was home.
"Yeah, he really does enjoy it," Anastasia added to the others. "Half the time when he come over our house, he insist on cooking," Lisa C nodded in agreement at that. Then sigh dreamily remembering all the delicious meals he cook.
Once he was positive there were no clumps in the batter he moved over to the pans, the butter had melted and he made sure to spread it out evenly over the surface. With that done, Harry got out another bowl, cracked six eggs, added some salt and pepper, and whisked them enthusiastically. He always made something for himself, not really interested in the less healthy food that his relatives seemed to enjoy so much.
"That explains the two walruses," Daphne said dryly, getting snickers or full blown laughter (Lisa C and Tracey) from the group. Then she burrow her eyebrows in confusion. "But how is the woman so skinny?"
She got no answers since everyone else is wondering the same thing.
Once the butter was melted and started to brown Harry pour the eggs into the frying pan and stirred it with the flat side of a fork. When the sides started to set, he lifted the side and pulled it to the center, repeating this until half of the eggs were set. He spooned three tablespoons of double cream onto the eggs, then liberally sprinkled it some Balderson's Cheddar Cheese and put it under the grill. He popped two pieces of toast into the toaster and moved over to the other pan and flipped the pancake on it. The sound of the door to the kitchen/living room caused him to look up from the eggs and pancakes he had been cooking.
"Aunt Petunia," Harry greeted with a curt nod. His relationship with his aunt was probably the strangest out of the bunch. Neither of them liked each other, Harry may not hate the woman like he used to when he was younger, but he greatly disliked her and knew that she despised, or at the very least, very much disliked him.
"Who hates their own nephew?! What did Harry do wrong?!" Surprisingly, it was Susan who said that. Everyone turn to her and she let out a heavy blush, embarrass at the outburst. She mumble to please keep reading and they got back to the book.
Of course, her feelings for Harry were so mixed in with other emotions that Harry could sense, but not make anything of that he was often left confused. However, Petunia was also something of his go-between for him and the other two Dursleys, who only spoke to him when absolutely necessary. Because of this, things remained somewhat cordial between them. Though Harry was sure part of the reason she was cordial was due to fear.
"Fear?" Daphne said, her eyes furrowed. What did he do to make her fear him?
"Good, you're making breakfast," Petunia said in a stiff and formal voice. "Try not to burn anything; I want everything to be perfect for my Duddy's birthday."
"SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO COOK FOR YOU, YOU UNDERWEIGHT TROLL!" Tracey yelled in anger. Many are angry as well.
That's right, Harry thought to himself. Today was Dudley's birthday, it was rather hard to forget about that, mainly because it was rather difficult to miss all of the presents that were practically hiding the table they sat on top of it.
Everyone saw the numbers and their eyes widen. Just how much money they have and where are they getting it? Some of them suspect they've been stealing it.
"Bloody hell!" Tracey exclaimed, "That's more presents than I get in christmas and birthday combine!"
"Language Tracey."
"Right, sorry."
It looked as though Dudley had gotten the new computer he wanted,
"What's a computer?" Daphne, Blaise, Terry, Lisa T, and Neville ask in confusion. Lisa C look as if they've ask her what is the moon.
"You seriously don't know?" The purebloods slowly shook their heads so Lisa C, Anastasia, and Hermione explain what's a computer is and other kind of technology just in case.
not to mention a second television
"A SECOND TELEVISION?!" Hannah sputtered out in anger. Seriously, this kid is spoiled way more then the Malfoys are. The MALFOYS. That is saying something.
and the racing bike.
"He exercises?" most people said, stunned. Blasphemy from what they're seeing.
Exactly why Dudley wanted a racing bike was beyond Harry, as Dudley was very fat and hated exercise - unless of course it involved punching somebody.
There were several growls, spells warming up and fist clenching. If he hurted Harry, they will make the boy will beg for death.
For the six years of Harry's life, he had been Dudley's favorite punching bag.
Suddenly, Daphne got up and made a life size figurine of Dudley. Then, she pointed the wand at it and muttered 'Bombarda', making the figure explode.
Everyone cheered, especially Lisa C, Hannah, Tracey, and surprisingly, Susan. Even Hermione, Lisa T, and Anastasia got small smiles on their faces. Yes, the boy is that bad.
Of course, all that changed when he had come into his magic. Now the pig-faced boy was even more afraid of him than his aunt.
Everyone either cheered or laugh. The loudest are Tracey, Hannah, and Lisa C.
"Yes, Aunt Petunia," Harry said in a humoring voice. They both knew there was nothing she could do if he decided to be rebellious.
"Go Harry!" Tracey and Lisa C cheered. Take that you underweight giraffe!
Petunia, sniffed, nodded, and headed back towards the stairs to get Dudley.
"Not even a thank you? How rude," Susan said, appalled by that woman's behavior.
Harry had nearly finished making breakfast by the time Dudley arrived in the kitchen with his mother. Dudley looked a lot like Vernon. He had a large pink face, not much neck, small, watery blue eyes, and thick blond hair that lay smoothly on his thick, fat head.
Most turn green at the description and turn greener when they saw Dudley at age eleven.
"Merlin!" Tracey exclaimed, looking close to barfing, "If this is what the son look like, I hate to see the father." There were many nods at that.
Aunt Petunia often said that Dudley looked like a baby angel - Harry usually wondered how many branches his cousin hit when he fell from the fat and ugly tree.
There was full blown laughter at that. Lisa C, Terry, Hannah, and Tracey are on the floor, tears in their eyes. Lisa T and Neville is holding on the chairs they're on. Daphne, Hermione, and Susan try to stop their laughing, but couldn't. Blaise got a real big grin on his face and Anastasia got amusement shining in her eyes.
After everyone calmed down, Tracey went back to reading.
Harry put the plates of pancakes, eggs, and bacon on the table, which was difficult as there wasn't much room. He went back and grabbed his own food from under the grill, his toast, and sat down to eat. Dudley, meanwhile, was counting his presents. His face fell.
"WHY!?" was everyone immediate response.
"Thirty-six," he said, looking at his mother and father. Harry was impressed that his cousin could count that far, he used to only be capable of counting the number of fingers on his hand. "That's two less than last year."
"He's complaining about that?" Hermione said in a state a disbelief. No child should be complaining about something so small.
"Darling, you haven't counted Aunt Marge's present, see, it's here under this big one from Mommy and Daddy."
"All right, thirty-seven then," said Dudley, going red in the face.
"Spoiled brat," Tracey muttered, with many in agreement with her.
Harry, who could see a huge Dudley tantrum coming on, moved over to the countertop to eat in case Dudley turned the table over.
"SAY WHAT?!" Was the response when they read that part. How can someone be angry by something so little?
Aunt Petunia obviously scented danger too, because she said quickly, "And we'll buy you two presents while we're out today. How's that popkin? Two more presents. Is that alright?"
"Stop spoiling the child!" Anastasia exclaimed in outrage. No wonder he's a bully.
Dudley thought for a moment. It looked like hard work for him. Finally he said slowly, "So I'll have thirty…thirty…"
"Thirty-nine sweetums," said Aunt Petunia.
"Okay, how dumb is that guy?" Tracey asked incredulously. Many are thinking the same thing.
"Oh." Dudley sat down heavily and grabbed the nearest parcel. "All right then."
Vernon chuckled.
"Little tyke wants his money's worth, just like his father. 'Atta boy, Dudley!" He ruffled Dudley's hair.
"HE ENCOURAGE THAT?!" Anastasia and Susan yelled. These are horrible parents!
There were a few moments of silence as everyone ate, and Dudley opened his presents. When they were finished, Harry took the plates away.
"Why is he doing their work?" Terry asked in disbelief. He shouldn't have to do someone elses job.
As he grabbed Aunt Petunia's plate she fixed him with a look, "I do not want you here while we are at the zoo today."
Harry understood what she was really saying. Harry was never allowed in the house when no one was there; they did not trust him enough to leave him alone.
"He's more responsible than that pig of a son!"
"Tracey!"
"What, it's true!"
"I plan on going to the Dao for a while, and then I'm going to head over to the library to meet up with Lisa," said Harry.
"YES, I'll about to be in it!" Lisa C cheered. Anastasia shook her head, amuse at her daughter antics. Suddenly, a bright light was made and a old man, who look about seventy, appeared in a Karate suit.
"Who are you? Where am I?" the old man said, look around the place. Everyone explain what happening and introduce themselves and ask the man say his name.
"My name is Master Wei and I'm young Harry's teacher," the man said. After everyone settle down, they went back to reading.
Petunia snorted, Vernon look disgruntled, and Dudley look constipated. When Harry was seven years old, he had found a small Dao that taught a variety of Chinese Martial Arts. It had taken various levels of violence threatened and a demonstration of Harry's magic by levitating several knives and floating them around the three Dursley's before he was allowed to go.
"It was good thing I tempered his rage," Master Wei said, "Who knows what the boy would've done in the future?" the wizards shivered at that. A angry Harry is something you don't want. Even Draco agreed with that.
Dudley had wanted to go as well, but ended up quitting because it was too much work.
"The boy need to lose that attitude of his and that weight before he could set foot on my Dojo again," Wei said, remembering that day. Many nodded at that while a few snorted.
None of them like the fact he went there, but could do nothing about it as Harry paid for his time there himself.
"He paid for it himself?!" Hermione said in shock. Just how independent is Harry?
"Very well," said Petunia, while Vernon muttered how 'freaks' shouldn't be allowed to learn how to fight.
It took Anastasia, Wei, Daphne, and Susan to hold one enrage Lisa Crawft from destroying the TV or book.
Just then, the doorbell rang - "Oh good Lord, they're here!" said Aunt Petunia frantically - and a moment later, Dudley's best friend, Piers Polkiss, waked in with his mother. Piers was a scrawny boy with the face of a rat.
Everyone laugh at the description of the boy and laugh even more when they saw the picture. Daphne, Blaise, and Wei got amuse smiles on their faces.
He was usually the one who held people's arms behind their backs while Dudley hit them.
"WHAT?!" most of the readers yelled. Lisa C nodded and shivered when she was about to be one of the victim. She was really glad for her hero, Harry. Anastasia saw the shiver and pray that it isn't what she is thinking.
Or at least he was, before Harry decided to intervene every time he saw them about to start their bullying, whether they still did that when he wasn't around was unknown.
"GO HARRY!" Lisa C, Tracey, and Hannah cheered. That'll show those bullies!
Not more than a few minutes later, the Dursleys and Piers were gone and Harry was walking to the Dao. Along the way he offered a small wave to Ms. Fig, a woman who owned several dozen cats and had, on rare occasion babysit him when he was younger, as well as a few other people in the neighborhood.
Because Harry paid for everything that was his, he had offered to mow the lawns of the residents of Privet Drive for five pounds an hour. While quite a few people had not trusted him, in no small part of Petunia's gossiping about him being horrible, demented child,
Anastasia look down in shame, because one time she believed one of those rumors.
Harry had found several people who had agreed to his offer, and pretty soon word had spread and he was mowing the lawn of nearly everyone on the entire block.
"He even did ours a couple of time," Anastasia said. Lisa C nodded in agreement and feel a little bit guilty about him doing it for them.
Petunia had been pretty burned up about that since most people had discounted her words because Harry always made sure to be respectful. It had been a long time before the horse-necked woman had gained her credibility with the other gossiping women of Privet Drive after that.
"Serves her right, the old bat," Lisa C grumbled. Many agreed with her. The Dursleys are a horrible family.
Half an hour later reached a small, inconspicuous building that looked somewhat ran down. The only reason anyone would have been able to recognize it as a small, inconspicuous building that looked somewhat run down. The only reason anyone would have been able to recognize it as a martials arts Dao was the sign that showed two people in combat above the door.
Harry opened the door and entered.
The inside of the building was a simple room. At the front there was a small desk with an old, worn out cash register on top of it, there was a bookcase standing against the wall next to the desk forming a ninety degree angle, and was holding various books on combat, pressure points, acupuncture and and medicinal plants.
Hermione is drooling at the site of those books and look at Wei with a pleading look.
Wei chuckled, "I'll give you the books at the next break." Hermione squealed and hug Wei. After a few minutes, everyone continue reading.
The area beyond the desk was covered by a large blue mat, on one side was a mirror that ran along the wall, on the other side were several that had swords, staffs, Kusari-gama's and even a scythe on them. At the end of the room was a hall with four doors.
"Ah, Harry, I was wondering if you would come in today," said a small, old man chinese man. Standing a little shorter than Harry himself, Master Chang Wei did not strike an imposing figure. In fact, most people would have found his stature to be quite humorous.
Wei look a bit disgruntled at that. The nerve.
However, Harry did not let the man's size fool him. Despite being over seventy years old, Master Wei could beat Harry six ways to Sunday with one hand tied behind his back, hopping on one foot, while blindfolded. He had done it plenty of times in the past and could still do so now.
All the wizards and Lisa C, eyes widen at that. They all turn to Wei, who got a dangerous glee in his eyes if anyone disagree. They all scooted back in fear. If someone could beat Harry, then you have the right to be afraid.
"Today is Dudley's birthday," said Harry, shrugging his shoulders. "I figured I would come here and see if you were up for a spar Master Wei."
When Harry had first found the Dao, he had been an enraged youth who was not only not afraid to threaten violence against his relatives, but had no compunctions on following through his threats when his demands were not met.
Lisa C snorted. "That is an understatement. He once put Dudley in the hospital along with his gang for a week," The wizards paled. Note to self, everyone thought, never make Harry angry.
There had been several instances where Harry would use his power to throw his uncles or cousin through a wall in order to get his way. That was part of the reason neither Dudley nor Vernon talked to him, and why Petunia feared him.
"WHAT?!" Hermione shouted in shock and horror. Harry Potter, calm, intelligent, cunning Harry Potter did that to his uncle?! Many of the wizards are shock as well and Wei wince, remembering the anger Harry held.
It was Master Chang Wei who had seen what the boy was becoming, took in Harry in and taught him that rage and hatred would not help him in life. When Master Wei's point had finally sunken in, Harry had been horrified to realize that he had been treating his relatives exactly how he had been treated. The very notion that he was becoming the very thing hated had disgusted him so much that he had done his best yo change, and vowed to never become like them.
"Good," most of the people said, with the rest nodding in approval. Anastasia send Wei a grateful look which he just smile at.
It had taken Harry nearly a year, of meditation, contemplation, and getting pounded into the dirt while being told "Martial Arts is not just a way of fighting, but an art and an oath. An art that allows one to express themselves in movement, and an oath to never use combat and violence unless it is the only way to defend yourself and the innocent" by the old Chinese Martial Arts master before Harry had been able to move truly past most of his hatred of the Dursleys. He still didn't like them, and probably never would, but he wouldn't let himself be ruled by his hatred. He was better than that. He was better than them.
"That you are," everyone said in unision. Anyone is better than the Dursleys.
"Same as every year, then," Said Master Wei. "Change into your uniform, and meet me on the mat."
"Yes, Master," said Harry, bowing before he went into the locker room that one of the doors at the end of the hall led to. He came back barefoot and wearing a simple white gi with a blue belt, only three steps down from a black belt. Harry was not only a quick study, but worked very hard to earn his rank and was considered to be something of a prodigy. Of course, that was only by the standards of the students, according to Master Wei, he was a clumsy fool with no coordination and lacked the finesse needed to master the fine art of combat. Then again, Master Wei said that to everyone he taught so it didn't bother Harry too much.
Everyone was surprise at Wei's answer, except Master Wei himself. Everyone saw at least a glimpse of Harry's skills and could say that they were impress. How high is that man's standard?
"You know the routine, Harry," said Master Wei as Harry stood before him, looking straight ahead as was proper.
"Yes, Master," Harry dropped down on his feet and knuckles and began doing push-ups, counting in the basic Chinese number system until he reached a number that Master Wei was satisfied with, that number being one hundred and twenty.
"WHAT?!" Everyone yelled, except for Neville, Master Wei, Lisa C, and Anastasia. Neville, because he experienced the exercise first hand and the Crawfts cause they already know that Harry is a exercise fanatic.
"Up!" Commanded the old man, and Harry kicked his feet up so that he was performing a handstand. It didn't take long for Harry stabilize himself and find his balance, he had been doing this for so long it was almost second nature.
"One hand!" Harry's breathing began to get heavy as he lifted his right hand so that he was standing on his left. When Wei commanded "Left!" he switched hands again.
"I'm still impress that Harry can do all that and not get tired," Lisa T said, amaze at Harry's stamina.
"Bend!" said Master Wei. Harry let out a small grunt as his feet moved over his head, and where his feet were previously facing away from the wall, they were now planted firmly on the ground facing the mirror as he formed a bridge with his stomach pointed to the ceiling-
"Oof!"
- only for master Wei to kick his feet and knock him to the ground several seconds after the bridge had been formed, saying, "your form is not sturdy enough. Your form must always be like a wall, unmovable and strong. Were your form sturdy that little tap would not have been enough for you to fall."
"Little tap?" Most said in unison, with raised eyebrows. Master Wei nodded firmly at that.
"Yes, Master Wei," said Harry as he stood up, knowing better than to contest the man. The last time he did Harry gotten beat worse than usual.
Okay, that man is really strict, everyone thought, except the old man himself.
"And now we spar."
Harry got into his opening combat stance after hearing Master's Wei words, left foot forward, right foot back, legs spread shoulder width apart while his knees were bent ever so slightly. He stood on the balls of his feet, prepared to shift or push off them at a moments notice. Along with his stance, Harry could feel a heightened sense of anticipation for the upcoming spar, the same feeling of adrenaline rush he always got when sparring with the diminutive master.
The fight, if you could call it that, was not so much of a fight as it was a beating, a beating that Harry was on the receiving end of. While Harry was actually quite talented at hand-to-hand combat, Master Wei had decades of experiences over him, and from what he knew the man was a former soldier who had participated in the Vietnam war when he was only seventeen years old. Even with all of Harry's prodigal talents, he was simply no match for a man who had looked death in the face and survived overwhelming odds.
Everyone look at Master Wei in amazement and a little bit of fear.
"I believe we are done for the day, young one," said Master Wei to a panting Harry. The young man was hunched and taking in large gulps of air as if the stuff was going out of style. At least he wasn't laying prone on his back and nearly unconsciousness like he sometimes was after getting the crap kicked out of him. "Go was up and head home."
Harry did as he told, using the communal shower in the back to wash and get dressed in his street clothes, only instead of heading home, he went to the library.
"I about to in it!" Lisa C cheered, getting a look of amusement from her mom.
Even before Harry had found the Dao the library had a been a sanctuary for him. The story's that were found in books allowed for an escape from the realities of his life, the hardships he had endured and the scars it had left in his life.
"Physical and mental," most whispered in pity/sympathy/respect.
Harry had always been a fast study, in school he had learned what was taught long before the other students. During recess he used to spend his time in the school library, reading anything and everything he could get his hands on. Before Harry had really started coming to in his martial arts, he had been very anti-social, often spending all his recess and lunch in the library. When he had exhausted all of the books in the library, he had asked a teacher, and been given directions to the public library, which was not that far from Privet Drive or his school.
The library was not the largest in the world, with Surrey only being a small city the library reflected that size. It was still big enough that Harry doubted he could read everything in it before he managed to leave the Dursley's for good.
"Grabbing a book, one that held historic battle of the Roman Empires,
That got Lisa T interest. She had always like history and was slowly getting into muggle history. It also got Terry's and Hermione's interest as well.
Harry made his way to the back where several comfy couches were for reading purposes. When he reached the reading area, he saw that there was somebody already there. A petite, cute girl around his age with short brown hair, brown eyes, and a look of slight impatience on her face.
Lisa C blush at being called cute by Harry while Anastasia sent her daughter a teasing look.
The girl looked up when she heard footsteps and a smile lit up her face.
"Harry!" she squealed drawing a glare and "Sh!" from the librarian, which she basically ignored as she latched onto Harry in a hug.
Lisa Crawft, he had met the girl somewhere around three years ago, about a year after he started his martial arts training. He had found her being bullied by Dudley and his friends for some asinine reason.
Lisa's mom glare at the pictures of Dudley and his gang. No one hurt her daughter.
At the time, Harry had been still been a somewhat troubled youth. Despite his training with Master Wei, he had been quick to anger. Seeing Dudley picking on someone had reminded him of all the times his cousin would hit him, and he had seen red.
The wizards and witches shivered. They've all seen a angry Harry Potter and suffice to say, they do not want to see him angry EVER again.
After what could have been described as a beat down, Dudley had ended up with a broken arm, two broken fingers, and a bruised torso, and the only reason he had not gotten worse injuries was because a passing teacher saw them and broke them up.
"He deserve worse," Anastasia and a few others muttered aloud, along with a few colorful words from Tracey.
The Dursley's had not been too happy either, but they had not been able to do anything due to their fear of him. Master Wei on the other hand had found out and made his displeasure quite clear. Harry still shuddered when he thought about his teacher's punishment.
Everyone scoot away from the martial arts teacher, a bit afraid of him. If you could put fear in Harry, then he's definitely scary.
In spite of the violence he had unleashed upon his cousin, Lisa had become enamored with him.
Lisa C blush at that and blush even more at the teasing look her mother sent.
The next he had seen her at school, she latched onto him, proclaiming that he was her hero her hero and had proceed to follow him around whenever classes ended.
Blaise, Terry, and Tracey snicker while Lisa C blush in embarrassment. Daphne and Susan felt an unpleasant feeling in their stomach when they heard that.
Harry hadn't been too pleased by that at first, but later on learned to accept it. He had even discovered that there were benefits to be had by her befriending him.
"Wow, he's like the male version of Daphne," Tracey said, ignoring the glare Daphne sent her.
One of the benefits was that people found him more approachable, this allowed him to learn how to interact with others. He would never befriend any of the children he went to school with, they were just too different, but that didn't mean it wouldn't be good to learn the ins and outs of school yards politics, which is the basis for how humanity interacted with each other as a whole.
"Just like a slytherin," Blaise said with a smirk. Daphne nodded in agreement at that.
It didn't matter how intelligent or driven someone was, without knowing how to properly interact with others one could only go so far.
"True," Blaise said, "You need to be sociable to go far in society."
Moments later the hug ended and Lisa pulled back, a scowl marring her face. "You're late," she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest and sending him a mildly annoyed glare.
"Sorry," Harry apologized with a shrug over to the couch Lisa had been sitting on. "I got caught up in spar with Master Wei." As he finished speaking Harry sat down and opened the book to the first page. Lisa stared at him for a moment longer, before sighing and moving to sit down next to him.
"Honestly, I don't understand what a bookworm like you actually finds so fun about getting beaten up on by an old man," Lisa said, causing Harry to shrug once more.
"And I'll probably never will," Lisa C said. Seriously, what's so fun about getting beat up by an old man? It's embarrassing!
She was a girl, so of course she wouldn't understand what drove him to master his martial arts, nor could she understand the thrill he experienced while in combat. It was something most females just didn't seem to grasp, he noticed.
"Hey!" All the girls yelled out, indigent.
There were plenty of benefits he gained from his martial arts training as well, a strong mind and body being just two of those things.
His thoughts were interrupted when Lisa leaned over his shoulder to look at the book he was reading and crinkled her nose.
"Ugh, history Harry? Really? Don't we read enough history at school?" she asked, her voice tone of disgust.
Lisa T and Hermione send Lisa C a indigent look since they like history. Don't diss their favorite subject.
Lisa was never one for heavy reading like him, and what books she did read had absolutely nothing to do with anything school related.
"Great, just what we needed," Daphne said sarcastically. "Another Tracey."
"Oi!"
"I like history," Harry replied without missing a beat. They had debated his choice of literature many times, and it always ended up the same, Harry not willing to give into Lisa's words, and Lisa shaking her head in dismay at his choice of reading material.
Just like she's doing now.
The last time they fought over what he read it had been when he found himself immersed in a book on psychology.
Now both Lisa C and Tracey are shaking their head in dismay at Harry's literature choice.
"I know you do," Lisa said with a tone of resignation. She perked up a second later however, and held out the book she had been reading. "Still, wouldn't you rather read something like this?" 'This' as his friend so eloquently put it was a book with a purple background covering. What really drew his eyes however, was not the color of the background, but the cover. On the cover were two half naked people, a man and a woman, their lower halves covered only by some kind of sheet. The male was on the top of the woman, his hand resting against the lower left side of her back, while her hands were tangled through his hair. It was a rather erotic image, and unfortunately was not that unusual a covering for the books Lisa read.
It was titled Seduction of a Highland Lass.
Many of the girls blush, seeing the image and Blaise groan. He lives with two women that bed every man they see, so he know what the book is about.
Anastasia look at her daughter and is holding a dark expression, with a creepy smile on her face and her eyes close. "Sweetie, where did you get those books?"
Lisa C is starting to sweat nervously. The last time she had gotten her mother angry is when she hid a bunch of erotic magazines from her. She look at Tracey and silently told her to read, quickly. Tracey saw the look and answer her prayers.
"Why would I ever want to read something like that?" asked Harry, honestly confused. Why anyone would want to read some trashy romance novel about fictional characters that wouldn't be out of place in the Conan the Barbarian Comic books he had read once was beyond him.
"TRASHY?!" Lisa C yelled out in rage. "I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW THAT MY FAVORITE BOOKS ARE NOT-"
Tracey quickly read before she could finish her rant.
Lisa didn't seem to like his tone and huffed. "You just don't know a good story when you see one. This isn't some trashy romance novel, it's an epic tale about…" At that point Harry began reading his book and made it a point to pretend he was no longer listening.
"HEY!" Lisa C cried out, "I WAS RANTING AT YOU!"
It was unfortunate, but with his eidetic memory, every word the girl spoke would still be imprinted into his mind, so all he could do was pretend and hope she got the hint and stopped talking.
"That what he does to Draco when the pronce is trying to provoke him," Hannah said, giggling when she remember Draco red face.
She did, about five minutes into her rant on how amazing her story was, Lisa noticed that Harry was not paying attention to her. She scowled for a moment, but seemed to decide not to try and claim his attention by doing something drastic, not only because it would get them kicked out but also because it was unlikely to work. Instead she huffed, and opened her book once more to begin reading.
"Smart choice," Blaise said, with Daphne, Terry, and Lisa T in agreement.
Time wore on and Harry immersed himself within the history of the Roman Empire and it's tragic fall. Contrary to what Lisa may think, the book in his hand was not a history book, but a romanticized tale that nonetheless gave him an accurate description on the fall of rome. It was a rather intriguing story, combining accurate historical knowledge with vivid details and epic battles. Whoever wrote the book had obviously done their homework.
Now the Ravenclaws and Hermione want to get their hands on that book.
It was only after an hour or so had past that Harry was drawn away from his book by the feel of a weight settling on his left shoulder. He turned his head to see that Lisa had fallen asleep, her book having fallen from her hands into her lap, her head resting against his shoulder as she leaned into him.
"Aw, they look so cute together!"
"MUM!"
Susan and Daphne had that feeling in their stomach when they saw that seen and Daphne's eye twitch a little.
Unbidden a very small smile, very tender smile came to his face. He would not tell anyone this, especially Lisa, but the girl truly was the only and best friend he'd ever had.
Lisa C blush heavily at that and felt her heart jump in joy at that. She alway wonder if Harry felt anything in their friendship. Now she's know.
A part of this, he knew, was due to the feelings on the matter of friendship. By the time school started after the coming summer, it was very unlikely that he would see any of those people again. What the point of befriending someone when you had no intention of keeping in touch? Another reason was simply because none of his acquaintances had anything to offer, Harry saw no benefit in befriending them, and thus, decided it would be best to keep them at arms length.
"Tell me why isn't he in Slytherin?" Blaise asked. He's showing a lot of Slytherin qualities as well as Ravenclaw.
Of course, it wasn't like befriending Lisa carried any great benefits either. However, the girl had managed to worm her way into his heart by stint of sheer stubbornness. She had simply refused to let him continue on alone, and somehow, someway, had managed to endear herself to him.
Lisa C smile proudly at that. It took her months to befriend him, but she done the impossible.
Not that she would ever know that. Harry was sure that if Lisa found out about his thoughts, she would never let him live it down.
"That I would." Lisa C said. Anastasia, again, shook her head in amusement at her daughter's antics.
"I'm done," Tracey said, closing the book. "Who's next?" Anastasia raise her hand and open the book.
And that's the end. I hope this is a good chapter. It took me weeks to finish it. Please review, follow, and favorite if you can. Also, check out my other stories as well. See you later.