Chapter 1
Being that it was the first day of summer break, most students would be excited about having time off from school. Harry Potter however was dreading every moment. You see unlike most kids his age, Harry Potter was different. Harry Potter was a wizard, and a thumping good one at that.
After dragging and pushing his trunk to his room, Harry threw himself onto his bed. "It's bad enough Dumbledore made me return to these muggles, but to listen to that man was too much." He thought as he closed his eyes in an attempt to relax. Harry had just spent the entire car ride from kings cross train station, to #4 private drive listening to his uncle verbally abuse him threaten him with locking him under the cupboard if he stepped one foot out of line this year.
You see ever since Harry's Parents had died at the hands of a dark wizard named Lord Voldermort, Harry had been living with his aunt and uncle, and when this would be okay to most people, it was not to Harry for his aunt and uncle were none magic folk, and the despised Harry for his abnormalities as they put it.
"Get down stairs right now, Mum says you need to clean the kitchen." Dudley shouted bursting in to Harry's room "Get out" Harry yelled, "All I need my first day back to this house is to be bothered by you."
Closing his eyes again, Harry attempted to relax only to jump up with a start as his cousin punched him in the face. "She said now." He laughed throwing Harry off the bed. Realizing that his cousin was not leaving, Harry fed Hedwig his pet owl an owl treat, and figuring it better to listen, followed his fat cousin to a waiting Petunia in the kitchen.
"Your going to earn your stay this summer," she spat as she threw a mop, and bucket at Harry. "Great, seems nothing has changed." He thought as he disregarded the laughing Dudley in the corner, and quickly went to work on cleaning the kitchen.
After two hours of cleaning the floors, doing the dishes, and washing off the cupboards Harry was finally done. He put the mop, and buckets back in the kitchen closet, and went back to his room. Once finally alone, he unpacked as little as he could, and climbed into his bed once more. "It looks like another summer of nothing to do but play with you." He said as he scratched hedwig under her beak. She replied softly by affectionately nipping at his finger.
After letting Hedwig out of her cage, and placing her on the window seal Harry decided that it was late enough to go to sleep. He figured that nobody would miss him at dinner, and wasn't especially excited to eat with his family any way. Changing into his pajamas, and climbing into bed Harry rested his head on his pillow, and allowed his mind to wonder to his friends.
Immediately Harry's mind raced to his best friends Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and surprisingly Cho Chang. "I wonder what their up to. I'm sure that whatever it is, it must be better than this." He thought smiling at the images he was creating in his head. Spending time doing this was quickly tiring, and it wasn't long however before Harry found himself falling asleep. After only an hour or so Harry was suddenly awoken. The first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was Cedric's body lying dead next to him.
"Not again" he said as he looked up to see a familiar face. Just like the night of the Triwizarding Tournament during Harry's fourth year at school, Harry was face to face with his enemy. "Voldermort" He said as he felt himself tumble to the ground. The second Harry had looked up he had came eye to eye with his enemy. Harry's scar had erupted with such pain that it was impossible for Harry to stay standing.
Listening to Voldermorts cruel laugh, Harry quickly forced the pain out of his mind. He knew from experience that this meant he was about to be tortured then possibly killed. Coming to the conclusion that he would never give his enemy the pleasure of watching him suffer in pain. Harry steadied himself. Adjusting to stand, he once again looked straight into the eyes of Voldermort, and just as his Emerald green eyes meet the slimy slit red eyes of Voldermorts Harry woke up with a start.
"Bloody Hell" he yelled as he reached up and touched his lightening shaped scar. Harry had been having this nightmare every night since Cedric's death, and Voldermorts rebirth, but something about tonight was a little different. Shaking his head, Harry noticed that it was now two A.M, so resting his head back down Harry again reached up to his scar that was not only throbbing from the nightmare, but was both wet, and warm as well.
As he took his hand away from his head, he noticed that it was covered in blood. "What's going on?" He thought, as he jumped from his bed and ran to the bathroom. He looked into the mirror to see that his scar was burning a bright white, and that blood was running down the length of it.
As he moved his finger to touch the white light, he quickly pulled it back. His head was on fire; the white light that was escaping from the scar burnt him. When he looked back into the mirror, he noticed that it was gone. The light had faded, and his scar was no longer bleeding. He again placed his hand over his head, and was relieved to know that it no longer hurt, and all that was left of the white light was a severe Headache.
"What was that" He said out loud touching his head. After standing in the bathroom for a while and nothing else happening, Harry decided he would try and salvage a little sleep so headed back to his room. "I better write to Sirius" he thought. With that, Harry lay back in bed, and fought to stay asleep the rest of the night.
The next week was just as bad for Harry. He was woken almost every morning with a pounding headache, and his scar hurting. He had received a letter back from both Dumbledore, and Sirus, and both were no help. Sirus however stated something that made Harry's skin curl.
Harry, Thanks for writing; it is good to hear from you. I don't know why you are having all of these nightmares, but let me know if they get worse. I am looking into it now, however the matter of your scar burning a bright white, and bleeding really frightens me. I think that the scar hurting, and the nightmares may have something in common. As you know Voldermort has returned. The problem with that is he is quickly regaining the same strength that he had when YOU destroyed him before. I think he may be trying to inter your dreams. I am talking to Dumbledore about it, stay strong, and owl me immediately if anything else happens that is unusual.
Sirus
This did not make Harry's stay with the Dursley's any better. The thought of Voldermort getting stronger, and him being stuck without any communication other than Ron's occasional Owl was unnerving. Just then Hedwig flew in the window with a dead rat in her beak.
"Not hungry this morning girl. Thanks though" Harry said as he carried Hedwig over to her perch. "I wonder If Ron will send the daily Prophet today?" Harry read in one of the daily prophets Ron had sent earlier that the Minister of magic had finally came to realize that Voldermort had in dead returned, and the Auror's were again hunting down known death eaters.
Harry however stopped thinking about that when Pig slammed into the side of his head "Ouch, what the." Was all he could say before he noticing the little brown owl buzzing around his head. "Pig" Harry yelled as he grabbed at the little owl. It took Harry three shots before he was able to catch her, "man your fast. I don't think I would be able to catch you if I wasn't a seeker."
Harry quickly untied the letter that Pig was carrying, and offered the owl some water from Hedwigs cage. Just as Harry was about to place the little owl in the cage, he noticed the picture on the front page of the daily Prophet.
Percy Weasley, Son of Arthur Weasley the Head of The department of misuse of Muggle artifacts has accepted a position at the Ministry of Magic as a Defense against the Dark Arts Auror. Percy's dedication to hard work is what allowed him to be promoted to this highly challenging position.
"Wow" he thought. "Percy a auror never would have thought." Harry then decided to read the note Ron had sent.
Harry, Can you believe it, Percy is an Auror, you should see all the stuff they are teaching him, I can't wait to show you some of the dueling things he has practiced on me, Malfoy's not going to dare say anything to me now.
Ron
Harry had to admit seeing Percy as an auror was quiet a shock, but he felt a little uneasy. "What if he tries to prove himself?" They all new that Percy was trying to move up in the MOM, and would do anything to prove his qualifications. "I hope he doesn't do anything stupid."
Just then Petunia had come into the room, and demanded that he put his abnormal things away. She reminded him that they refused to allow him to practice that ridiculous hocus pocus in their house, and forced him to get ride of that annoying owl.
Harry quickly threw Pig out the window, and made his way down stairs. As he reached the bottom, Petunia threw a shovel, and rack at him,
"Get to work" she spat, "I expect the yard to be mowed, the leaves racked, and the weeds to be pulled. Oh yes, I also bought a flat of flowers today, and want them planted in the front garden."
"But this is going to take all day," Harry half said half yelled, "I have homework to do." "WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT TALKING ABOUT THAT STUPID SCHOOL, NOW GET OUT THERE, AND EARN YOUR STAY YOU UNGRATEFUL BEAST." Spat Petunia. Harry decided the best thing to do was to get out of her line of fire. He hurried outside, and started to work in the yard.
At about 5:30PM, Harry was finally done. He put away his yard tools, and headed in for dinner. By the looks of the Dursley's, Harry knew that he was not wanted at the dinner table. He walked around to his usual seat, and instead of sitting down, he just picked up the cold soup, and sandwich, and brought it up to his room.
Not in the mood to eat, and especially cold food, Harry walked over, and poured the contents of his soup into Hedwigs cage. Patting his pet owl on the head Harry allowed her to nibble at his figures before heading over to his bed. Lying down on his bed, and kicking off his shoes, Harry relaxed into his pillow, all the while allowing his mind to wander.
"I wonder how Hermione is doing, I haven't heard from here yet. I wonder if she went to see Victor after all." He thought as he begun to slip off into a peaceful slumber. Just then however there was another rap on the window, and quickly jumping to his feet, Harry moved over to the window, and let a rather large barn owl fly in carrying an awful large box.
Harry was surprised to say the least. He was not expecting anything from anyone, so was slightly alarmed at the size of the box. As he stared at it with mixed emotions, he freed the owl, and tore open the letter that came with it.
Harry, After your last letter, I figured I would send you some things to pass the time. I am still trying to talk mom into owling Dumbledore to get you over here, but she is being such a pain, she keeps saying he has his reasons, and that he will let us know when it is safe for you to come. If not, I will see you the last day of August at Diagon Alley; remember you promised that you would meet me. I got a letter from Hermione today; she said that this is as soon as she can make it. Must be having two much fun with that git Victor. By the way Fred and George say high, and through in a few treats for Duddly. Have fun with those, but don't get yourself in trouble. I have to go, hope you like the stuff Oh by the way, what did you think about Percy being an Auror, you haven't written back in a while. Ron
Harry couldn't be happier, he had just been thinking of his friends, and low and behold, Ron, Fred and George were worried about him as well. Maybe this summer won't be all that bad he thought as he opened the box Ron had sent him. Who knows, with the stuff Fred and George had sent, maybe these last few weeks wouldn't be that bad at all.
After emptying the entire box on his bed, Harry wasn't surprised what Ron was thinking, (pass the time, what, by eating to death) he thought. They had sent numerous thing Bertie Botts every flavor beans, Chocolate frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, and Licorice Wands. However the thing that caught his attention was an old tarnished black book.
Harry picked it up, and read the title Quiditch through the ages. Ron had done it. He had sent him just what he wanted, only Ron, and Hermione new Harry could spend hours reading about Quiditch, and leave it up to his friends to cheer him up. Harry placed everything but a few of Fred and Georges Taffies, and his new book in the hiding place under his bed. He decided to write Ron back.
Ron, Thanks for the stuff, I can't wait to see what happens when Duddly eats one of these taffy's, what are they anyway. Oh who cares, it's going to be hilarious. Hey, thanks for the book, its just what I needed. Oh by the way, where did you get that owl, it was huge. Tell Percy congratulations for me. I can't wait to see the new stuff he taught you. I hope your mom can talk Dumbledore into letting me visit, I don't know how many more days I can last it here. This horrible family is making me do everything why they sit on the fat butts, and watch tele. I am counting the days down till the 31st; maybe we can stay at the leaky cauldron, and go to the Hogwarts express the next day. Well keep me informed. Your Friend
Harry
After tying the letter to hedwig, Harry brought his bird to the window. "Up for a job?" He asked receiving a soft hoot from his owl. "I thought you would, bring this to Ron for me please. Thanks girl." Harry said gaining another nip on his finger as a sign of approval. Opening the window wide enough for Hedwig to fly out, Harry watched as his only companion soared through the sky.
Deciding that he was too tired to start reading, and surprisingly not hungry, he placed his book away, and lay down on his bed. As soon as his head hit the pillow, Harry had fallen asleep. Harry woke up the next morning with a start, Petunia was pounding on his door for him to get up, and he was shocked to see that it was 9:00 AM
"WOW" he said, "I must have been tired." Harry thought as he slowly climbed out of bed "Are you up yet"? Petunia yelled through the door. "Get down stairs you lazy brat, I have to go shopping, and I am not leaving you here alone. So get down stairs NOW." "I'm coming, hold your hippographs" Harry yelled, regardless of where he was, he was happy to finally be able to get a good night sleep.
"What did you just say? I swear if I have to call your Uncle, you will be living in that closet again. Now get down here." Harry let out a long sigh, just a little bit longer he thought; I can make it.
Once Harry had made his way downstairs he noticed at once that Duddly was still in the family room, watching TV, "Why does he get to stay, and I have to come" he asked, not in the mood to go shopping with his aunt.
"Don't raise your voice to me you ungrateful git," Petunia barked. "My Duddly Wuddly won't burn down the place, that's why, and I'm not taking you with me either, I am dropping you off at Mrs. Figgs house, she says she has some work for you to do, and God knows only Hard work can straighten you out you Freak."
Harry couldn't help but force himself to smile, he had a distinct feeling that He was not only going to see Mrs. Figgs, but in fact he was going to see Snuffles. How many people are named Figgs anyway he thought, I know Dumbledore aid her name before. It has to be the same person.
Harry was right, as soon as his aunt drove off, he noticed old Mrs. Figgs walk over to him, accompanied by a rather large black scruffy dog. "Snuffles" Harry said, as he wrapped his Godfather in hug, "I was wondering what you were up to, what are you doing here?"
"Not now Harry" Mrs. Figgs said, "lets go inside." Harry was reluctant to follow, but soon found himself in the house he had grown to know as a musty cathouse. He was pleasantly surprised however to see that after Mrs. Figgs fell and broke her hip, she had gotten rid of all of her cats, and in fact the house smelt almost normal.
"So Harry, how are things" Sirius asked, he had transformed once he had gotten inside. "Great now" Harry said, turning his attention to his godfather. "So, what are you doing here" he asked "Harry," Sirus said in a I'm not to be questioned voice "I know that you have a lot of questions, but the only one I can answer right now is Mrs. Figgs has been gracious enough to allow me to stay here for a while, so that I can be close enough to you, and still easily accessible to Dumbledore, and the magical community. That is all I can say now, so instead of asking me questions, lets just enjoy the two hours we have."
"But, but, but," was all Harry had managed to get out. Sirius had said what he needed to say in such a tone that Harry new it meant end of subject. Harry, however was not at all unhappy with the lack of information. Quiet on the contrary, He and Sirus spent the next few hours discussing how James and He used to pull pranks on the Slytherins, and how Lily would never join in on the pranks, but was always one of the last to stop laughing.
To Harry's surprise he stayed at Mrs. Figgs residence much longer than he had expected. When Petunia finally did arrive, Sirius had told Harry all about his parents wedding, and to top it off Harry had been able to eat a proper dinner.
"Sorry I am late Arabella, My son had a little accident at home, and this is the first I minute I have had to get away, I hope He" she spat throwing a glance at Harry, "behaved."
"He was a perfect gentleman, and he was able to get everything I needed done." Mrs. Figgs answered smiling sweetly at Harry as to where Petunia couldn't see. "Very well, thank you again" Petunia answered sweetly before turning to Harry. "You, get in the car" she growled noticing Harry petting a rather untamed looking dog. "And get away from that animal, who knows what type of diseases it may have" she yelled.
Sirius didn't take to this however, and growling he lunged at Petunia, only to stop as Harry held him back. "Don't boy, it will only cause trouble" He said roughing up the fur under Snuffles neck. "One day soon you'll be free, when that day comes." He said hugging the large dog before getting up to leave. Once in the car, Harry waved one last time to his godfather, and friend, and watched them wave all the way until the car turned the corner.
By the time they pulled up to #4 private drive, Harry was ready for bed. He decided that he would skip dinner since he had already eaten, and headed straight to his room. It was good that Harry had already eaten, for the second Petunia walked in the front door she started barking at Dudley.
"DUDLEY, WHAT ARE YOU EATING NOW, DON'T YOU KNOW YOU WAY THREE TIMES THAT OF ANY OF YOUR FRIE. PUT THAT DOWN. WHERE DID YOU GET THAT? WHATS GOING ON DUDDLY PUT THAT DOWN DUDDLY...... HARRY, HAAAARRRRRRY WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY BABY DUDICANS." With this screech, Harry new he was in trouble.
"Oh great, what did he blame on me now." Harry thought as he walked slowly toward the kitchen door, just before he stepped into the house however he stopped dead in his tracks as he noticed what had happened. Petunia was holding Dudley under the sink, and was scrubbing his face with what can only be described as a ROCK.
"What's this all about" Vernon had barked as he walked in the room. Realizing what had happened he grabbed a hold of his son, and along with Petunia, the two forced Duddly under the sink.
This was too much for Harry to take. Bursting out laughing Harry stepped into the kitchen to grab something to hold onto. Dudley's entire face had turned from cream to Pink, with Purple polka dots, and Harry knew he had gone into his room, and grabbed a handful of Fred, and George's Taffies. Whishing he had a camera Harry ran out off the kitchen yelling. "I won't be eating dinner tonight; I will be in my room, by the way, the spots should wear off in a few hours."
Harry couldn't believe his luck. He had not only spent the entire day with his godfather, but he had just witnessed a beached wale being scoured to death by a fuming horse, this was priceless. To top it off he was already happy at hearing stories of when Sirus and his dad, and mom. Used to prank the Slytherins.
Harry thought that he was about to burst at the seam with happiness, and decided to pull out the picture book that Hagrid had given him. He opened the book to the first page, and let out a long sigh. "I miss you." He said as he traced the faces of his parents with his finger. "Boy do I miss you."
Harry sat there for a while replaying the day's events, but his mind kept coming back to one thing Sirus had said. "Lily was always the last to stop laughing, she was always so happy, James and I loved to hear her laugh."
To Harry this made him both smile, and cry, He wished so much that he could here his mom laugh. The only memories Harry had of his father and mother were the last moments of their lives, if only they could have defeated Voldermort, then Harry would be happy. No, he wouldn't be living with these horrible people, Sirus would be free, Cedric would never have died, and for once, Harry would have a real family.
This was almost too much for Harry to handle, he spent the next hour before he went to slip just pondering on the what ifs, when he was about to break down and cry, he remembered what Dumbledore said about not living in the past, but for the future, and decided to put it out of his mind.
The Dursley's had stopped screaming, and pounding on Harry's door, so it was safe to guess that the effects of the taffy had worn off. After replacing the floorboard over His things, Harry was ready for bed; so changing quickly he jumped on. The only problem is that instead of landing on his Bed, Harry felt the familiar pulling behind his navel that he had received both times he had used a portkey, Next thing he new, he was again laying on the ground in front of Tom Riddle's grave, and just like before, he knew he was not alone.
"Wormtail" Harry screamed, "What's this, what just happened." Wormtail just turned around laughing, leaving Harry just sitting there. He new he was in trouble this time this was not a nightmare, something had happened.
"If only I had my wand," He thought, "I won't stand a chance without that." Just as Harry was about to get up and run, he heard the voice that haunted his dreams, the voice that sent chills down his spine.
"Voldermort" Harry yelled. He didn't need to turn around to know it was him, as soon as he heard the voice he felt the searing pain of his scar. "What, how" is all Harry could say.
"Crucio." Harry new by the pain he was feeling that Voldermort just placed the crucatus curse on him. He was going to die, Voldermort had returned just two months earlier, and he had already trapped Harry. The pain that he was feeling was blinding. Harry was struggling to stay conscious, and just as he thought he was going to pass out, the pain stopped. Voldermort had released the curse on Harry and was standing above him Laughing.
"What boy did that hurt" Harry couldn't say anything; he just lay their gasping for breath. "I see you still don't have enough respect for me to answer." Voldermort said in a taunting voice.
"Crucio" just like before Harry once again felt the inhuman feeling of the crucatus curse, but this time it was to much for Harry to control. Letting out a god-awful scream, Harry cringed as every muscle contracted with pain.
Harry knew he wasn't going to last month longer. The pain of the crucactus curse was driving him mad, and his violent muscle spasms were tearing his body up. Reaching up to touch his forehead, Harry could fell blood running down his face, and closing his eyes to help fight off the pain, Harry prepared himself for what was to come.
"This is it." He thought as everything begun to fade into darkness. "Either I will die of pain, or die from the killing curse." He though, but just like last time, just as he was to the point of passing into another world, it all stopped. Once again the Dark lord had taken the curse off of Harry, and once again Harry was gasping to breath.
He was being tortured; Voldermort wasn't going to let him pass out. He was intending to make Harry suffer. Nothing but cruelty ran through the veins of Voldermort, and he wanted Harry to suffer that he suffered after his fall.
Forcing himself to look up, Harry's saw the dark lord talking to a death eater. "This isn't happening" Harry thought as the distraction gave him a minute to catch his breath. Deciding then and there that he was not going to give Voldermort the pleasure of simply killing him, Harry forced himself to stand.
"I am not scared of you, or of dying." He said in a voice full of courage. Although Harry was in fact terrified of both, he wanted to die in defiance, not in fear. Disregarding the pain his body was going through, and the searing needles crashing through his scar, Harry glared directly into Voldermorts eyes.
"You can kill me now, but you will never be able to defeat Dumbledore." Voldermort just stared at Harry. It looked to Harry as if he was choosing his words wisely, and with rage filled eyes, Harry stood there waiting for Voldermort to finish him when it all came crumbling down.
"Little boy," Voldermort hissed, walking over, and placing a finger on Harry's forehead. "Dumbledore is already dead, why do you think it was so easy to get to you." Laughing at the expression that crossed Harry's face, Voldermort pointed his wand at Harry, and when everything fell quiet he did it. "Aveda Kedavara"
Being that it was the first day of summer break, most students would be excited about having time off from school. Harry Potter however was dreading every moment. You see unlike most kids his age, Harry Potter was different. Harry Potter was a wizard, and a thumping good one at that.
After dragging and pushing his trunk to his room, Harry threw himself onto his bed. "It's bad enough Dumbledore made me return to these muggles, but to listen to that man was too much." He thought as he closed his eyes in an attempt to relax. Harry had just spent the entire car ride from kings cross train station, to #4 private drive listening to his uncle verbally abuse him threaten him with locking him under the cupboard if he stepped one foot out of line this year.
You see ever since Harry's Parents had died at the hands of a dark wizard named Lord Voldermort, Harry had been living with his aunt and uncle, and when this would be okay to most people, it was not to Harry for his aunt and uncle were none magic folk, and the despised Harry for his abnormalities as they put it.
"Get down stairs right now, Mum says you need to clean the kitchen." Dudley shouted bursting in to Harry's room "Get out" Harry yelled, "All I need my first day back to this house is to be bothered by you."
Closing his eyes again, Harry attempted to relax only to jump up with a start as his cousin punched him in the face. "She said now." He laughed throwing Harry off the bed. Realizing that his cousin was not leaving, Harry fed Hedwig his pet owl an owl treat, and figuring it better to listen, followed his fat cousin to a waiting Petunia in the kitchen.
"Your going to earn your stay this summer," she spat as she threw a mop, and bucket at Harry. "Great, seems nothing has changed." He thought as he disregarded the laughing Dudley in the corner, and quickly went to work on cleaning the kitchen.
After two hours of cleaning the floors, doing the dishes, and washing off the cupboards Harry was finally done. He put the mop, and buckets back in the kitchen closet, and went back to his room. Once finally alone, he unpacked as little as he could, and climbed into his bed once more. "It looks like another summer of nothing to do but play with you." He said as he scratched hedwig under her beak. She replied softly by affectionately nipping at his finger.
After letting Hedwig out of her cage, and placing her on the window seal Harry decided that it was late enough to go to sleep. He figured that nobody would miss him at dinner, and wasn't especially excited to eat with his family any way. Changing into his pajamas, and climbing into bed Harry rested his head on his pillow, and allowed his mind to wonder to his friends.
Immediately Harry's mind raced to his best friends Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and surprisingly Cho Chang. "I wonder what their up to. I'm sure that whatever it is, it must be better than this." He thought smiling at the images he was creating in his head. Spending time doing this was quickly tiring, and it wasn't long however before Harry found himself falling asleep. After only an hour or so Harry was suddenly awoken. The first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was Cedric's body lying dead next to him.
"Not again" he said as he looked up to see a familiar face. Just like the night of the Triwizarding Tournament during Harry's fourth year at school, Harry was face to face with his enemy. "Voldermort" He said as he felt himself tumble to the ground. The second Harry had looked up he had came eye to eye with his enemy. Harry's scar had erupted with such pain that it was impossible for Harry to stay standing.
Listening to Voldermorts cruel laugh, Harry quickly forced the pain out of his mind. He knew from experience that this meant he was about to be tortured then possibly killed. Coming to the conclusion that he would never give his enemy the pleasure of watching him suffer in pain. Harry steadied himself. Adjusting to stand, he once again looked straight into the eyes of Voldermort, and just as his Emerald green eyes meet the slimy slit red eyes of Voldermorts Harry woke up with a start.
"Bloody Hell" he yelled as he reached up and touched his lightening shaped scar. Harry had been having this nightmare every night since Cedric's death, and Voldermorts rebirth, but something about tonight was a little different. Shaking his head, Harry noticed that it was now two A.M, so resting his head back down Harry again reached up to his scar that was not only throbbing from the nightmare, but was both wet, and warm as well.
As he took his hand away from his head, he noticed that it was covered in blood. "What's going on?" He thought, as he jumped from his bed and ran to the bathroom. He looked into the mirror to see that his scar was burning a bright white, and that blood was running down the length of it.
As he moved his finger to touch the white light, he quickly pulled it back. His head was on fire; the white light that was escaping from the scar burnt him. When he looked back into the mirror, he noticed that it was gone. The light had faded, and his scar was no longer bleeding. He again placed his hand over his head, and was relieved to know that it no longer hurt, and all that was left of the white light was a severe Headache.
"What was that" He said out loud touching his head. After standing in the bathroom for a while and nothing else happening, Harry decided he would try and salvage a little sleep so headed back to his room. "I better write to Sirius" he thought. With that, Harry lay back in bed, and fought to stay asleep the rest of the night.
The next week was just as bad for Harry. He was woken almost every morning with a pounding headache, and his scar hurting. He had received a letter back from both Dumbledore, and Sirus, and both were no help. Sirus however stated something that made Harry's skin curl.
Harry, Thanks for writing; it is good to hear from you. I don't know why you are having all of these nightmares, but let me know if they get worse. I am looking into it now, however the matter of your scar burning a bright white, and bleeding really frightens me. I think that the scar hurting, and the nightmares may have something in common. As you know Voldermort has returned. The problem with that is he is quickly regaining the same strength that he had when YOU destroyed him before. I think he may be trying to inter your dreams. I am talking to Dumbledore about it, stay strong, and owl me immediately if anything else happens that is unusual.
Sirus
This did not make Harry's stay with the Dursley's any better. The thought of Voldermort getting stronger, and him being stuck without any communication other than Ron's occasional Owl was unnerving. Just then Hedwig flew in the window with a dead rat in her beak.
"Not hungry this morning girl. Thanks though" Harry said as he carried Hedwig over to her perch. "I wonder If Ron will send the daily Prophet today?" Harry read in one of the daily prophets Ron had sent earlier that the Minister of magic had finally came to realize that Voldermort had in dead returned, and the Auror's were again hunting down known death eaters.
Harry however stopped thinking about that when Pig slammed into the side of his head "Ouch, what the." Was all he could say before he noticing the little brown owl buzzing around his head. "Pig" Harry yelled as he grabbed at the little owl. It took Harry three shots before he was able to catch her, "man your fast. I don't think I would be able to catch you if I wasn't a seeker."
Harry quickly untied the letter that Pig was carrying, and offered the owl some water from Hedwigs cage. Just as Harry was about to place the little owl in the cage, he noticed the picture on the front page of the daily Prophet.
Percy Weasley, Son of Arthur Weasley the Head of The department of misuse of Muggle artifacts has accepted a position at the Ministry of Magic as a Defense against the Dark Arts Auror. Percy's dedication to hard work is what allowed him to be promoted to this highly challenging position.
"Wow" he thought. "Percy a auror never would have thought." Harry then decided to read the note Ron had sent.
Harry, Can you believe it, Percy is an Auror, you should see all the stuff they are teaching him, I can't wait to show you some of the dueling things he has practiced on me, Malfoy's not going to dare say anything to me now.
Ron
Harry had to admit seeing Percy as an auror was quiet a shock, but he felt a little uneasy. "What if he tries to prove himself?" They all new that Percy was trying to move up in the MOM, and would do anything to prove his qualifications. "I hope he doesn't do anything stupid."
Just then Petunia had come into the room, and demanded that he put his abnormal things away. She reminded him that they refused to allow him to practice that ridiculous hocus pocus in their house, and forced him to get ride of that annoying owl.
Harry quickly threw Pig out the window, and made his way down stairs. As he reached the bottom, Petunia threw a shovel, and rack at him,
"Get to work" she spat, "I expect the yard to be mowed, the leaves racked, and the weeds to be pulled. Oh yes, I also bought a flat of flowers today, and want them planted in the front garden."
"But this is going to take all day," Harry half said half yelled, "I have homework to do." "WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT TALKING ABOUT THAT STUPID SCHOOL, NOW GET OUT THERE, AND EARN YOUR STAY YOU UNGRATEFUL BEAST." Spat Petunia. Harry decided the best thing to do was to get out of her line of fire. He hurried outside, and started to work in the yard.
At about 5:30PM, Harry was finally done. He put away his yard tools, and headed in for dinner. By the looks of the Dursley's, Harry knew that he was not wanted at the dinner table. He walked around to his usual seat, and instead of sitting down, he just picked up the cold soup, and sandwich, and brought it up to his room.
Not in the mood to eat, and especially cold food, Harry walked over, and poured the contents of his soup into Hedwigs cage. Patting his pet owl on the head Harry allowed her to nibble at his figures before heading over to his bed. Lying down on his bed, and kicking off his shoes, Harry relaxed into his pillow, all the while allowing his mind to wander.
"I wonder how Hermione is doing, I haven't heard from here yet. I wonder if she went to see Victor after all." He thought as he begun to slip off into a peaceful slumber. Just then however there was another rap on the window, and quickly jumping to his feet, Harry moved over to the window, and let a rather large barn owl fly in carrying an awful large box.
Harry was surprised to say the least. He was not expecting anything from anyone, so was slightly alarmed at the size of the box. As he stared at it with mixed emotions, he freed the owl, and tore open the letter that came with it.
Harry, After your last letter, I figured I would send you some things to pass the time. I am still trying to talk mom into owling Dumbledore to get you over here, but she is being such a pain, she keeps saying he has his reasons, and that he will let us know when it is safe for you to come. If not, I will see you the last day of August at Diagon Alley; remember you promised that you would meet me. I got a letter from Hermione today; she said that this is as soon as she can make it. Must be having two much fun with that git Victor. By the way Fred and George say high, and through in a few treats for Duddly. Have fun with those, but don't get yourself in trouble. I have to go, hope you like the stuff Oh by the way, what did you think about Percy being an Auror, you haven't written back in a while. Ron
Harry couldn't be happier, he had just been thinking of his friends, and low and behold, Ron, Fred and George were worried about him as well. Maybe this summer won't be all that bad he thought as he opened the box Ron had sent him. Who knows, with the stuff Fred and George had sent, maybe these last few weeks wouldn't be that bad at all.
After emptying the entire box on his bed, Harry wasn't surprised what Ron was thinking, (pass the time, what, by eating to death) he thought. They had sent numerous thing Bertie Botts every flavor beans, Chocolate frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, and Licorice Wands. However the thing that caught his attention was an old tarnished black book.
Harry picked it up, and read the title Quiditch through the ages. Ron had done it. He had sent him just what he wanted, only Ron, and Hermione new Harry could spend hours reading about Quiditch, and leave it up to his friends to cheer him up. Harry placed everything but a few of Fred and Georges Taffies, and his new book in the hiding place under his bed. He decided to write Ron back.
Ron, Thanks for the stuff, I can't wait to see what happens when Duddly eats one of these taffy's, what are they anyway. Oh who cares, it's going to be hilarious. Hey, thanks for the book, its just what I needed. Oh by the way, where did you get that owl, it was huge. Tell Percy congratulations for me. I can't wait to see the new stuff he taught you. I hope your mom can talk Dumbledore into letting me visit, I don't know how many more days I can last it here. This horrible family is making me do everything why they sit on the fat butts, and watch tele. I am counting the days down till the 31st; maybe we can stay at the leaky cauldron, and go to the Hogwarts express the next day. Well keep me informed. Your Friend
Harry
After tying the letter to hedwig, Harry brought his bird to the window. "Up for a job?" He asked receiving a soft hoot from his owl. "I thought you would, bring this to Ron for me please. Thanks girl." Harry said gaining another nip on his finger as a sign of approval. Opening the window wide enough for Hedwig to fly out, Harry watched as his only companion soared through the sky.
Deciding that he was too tired to start reading, and surprisingly not hungry, he placed his book away, and lay down on his bed. As soon as his head hit the pillow, Harry had fallen asleep. Harry woke up the next morning with a start, Petunia was pounding on his door for him to get up, and he was shocked to see that it was 9:00 AM
"WOW" he said, "I must have been tired." Harry thought as he slowly climbed out of bed "Are you up yet"? Petunia yelled through the door. "Get down stairs you lazy brat, I have to go shopping, and I am not leaving you here alone. So get down stairs NOW." "I'm coming, hold your hippographs" Harry yelled, regardless of where he was, he was happy to finally be able to get a good night sleep.
"What did you just say? I swear if I have to call your Uncle, you will be living in that closet again. Now get down here." Harry let out a long sigh, just a little bit longer he thought; I can make it.
Once Harry had made his way downstairs he noticed at once that Duddly was still in the family room, watching TV, "Why does he get to stay, and I have to come" he asked, not in the mood to go shopping with his aunt.
"Don't raise your voice to me you ungrateful git," Petunia barked. "My Duddly Wuddly won't burn down the place, that's why, and I'm not taking you with me either, I am dropping you off at Mrs. Figgs house, she says she has some work for you to do, and God knows only Hard work can straighten you out you Freak."
Harry couldn't help but force himself to smile, he had a distinct feeling that He was not only going to see Mrs. Figgs, but in fact he was going to see Snuffles. How many people are named Figgs anyway he thought, I know Dumbledore aid her name before. It has to be the same person.
Harry was right, as soon as his aunt drove off, he noticed old Mrs. Figgs walk over to him, accompanied by a rather large black scruffy dog. "Snuffles" Harry said, as he wrapped his Godfather in hug, "I was wondering what you were up to, what are you doing here?"
"Not now Harry" Mrs. Figgs said, "lets go inside." Harry was reluctant to follow, but soon found himself in the house he had grown to know as a musty cathouse. He was pleasantly surprised however to see that after Mrs. Figgs fell and broke her hip, she had gotten rid of all of her cats, and in fact the house smelt almost normal.
"So Harry, how are things" Sirius asked, he had transformed once he had gotten inside. "Great now" Harry said, turning his attention to his godfather. "So, what are you doing here" he asked "Harry," Sirus said in a I'm not to be questioned voice "I know that you have a lot of questions, but the only one I can answer right now is Mrs. Figgs has been gracious enough to allow me to stay here for a while, so that I can be close enough to you, and still easily accessible to Dumbledore, and the magical community. That is all I can say now, so instead of asking me questions, lets just enjoy the two hours we have."
"But, but, but," was all Harry had managed to get out. Sirius had said what he needed to say in such a tone that Harry new it meant end of subject. Harry, however was not at all unhappy with the lack of information. Quiet on the contrary, He and Sirus spent the next few hours discussing how James and He used to pull pranks on the Slytherins, and how Lily would never join in on the pranks, but was always one of the last to stop laughing.
To Harry's surprise he stayed at Mrs. Figgs residence much longer than he had expected. When Petunia finally did arrive, Sirius had told Harry all about his parents wedding, and to top it off Harry had been able to eat a proper dinner.
"Sorry I am late Arabella, My son had a little accident at home, and this is the first I minute I have had to get away, I hope He" she spat throwing a glance at Harry, "behaved."
"He was a perfect gentleman, and he was able to get everything I needed done." Mrs. Figgs answered smiling sweetly at Harry as to where Petunia couldn't see. "Very well, thank you again" Petunia answered sweetly before turning to Harry. "You, get in the car" she growled noticing Harry petting a rather untamed looking dog. "And get away from that animal, who knows what type of diseases it may have" she yelled.
Sirius didn't take to this however, and growling he lunged at Petunia, only to stop as Harry held him back. "Don't boy, it will only cause trouble" He said roughing up the fur under Snuffles neck. "One day soon you'll be free, when that day comes." He said hugging the large dog before getting up to leave. Once in the car, Harry waved one last time to his godfather, and friend, and watched them wave all the way until the car turned the corner.
By the time they pulled up to #4 private drive, Harry was ready for bed. He decided that he would skip dinner since he had already eaten, and headed straight to his room. It was good that Harry had already eaten, for the second Petunia walked in the front door she started barking at Dudley.
"DUDLEY, WHAT ARE YOU EATING NOW, DON'T YOU KNOW YOU WAY THREE TIMES THAT OF ANY OF YOUR FRIE. PUT THAT DOWN. WHERE DID YOU GET THAT? WHATS GOING ON DUDDLY PUT THAT DOWN DUDDLY...... HARRY, HAAAARRRRRRY WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY BABY DUDICANS." With this screech, Harry new he was in trouble.
"Oh great, what did he blame on me now." Harry thought as he walked slowly toward the kitchen door, just before he stepped into the house however he stopped dead in his tracks as he noticed what had happened. Petunia was holding Dudley under the sink, and was scrubbing his face with what can only be described as a ROCK.
"What's this all about" Vernon had barked as he walked in the room. Realizing what had happened he grabbed a hold of his son, and along with Petunia, the two forced Duddly under the sink.
This was too much for Harry to take. Bursting out laughing Harry stepped into the kitchen to grab something to hold onto. Dudley's entire face had turned from cream to Pink, with Purple polka dots, and Harry knew he had gone into his room, and grabbed a handful of Fred, and George's Taffies. Whishing he had a camera Harry ran out off the kitchen yelling. "I won't be eating dinner tonight; I will be in my room, by the way, the spots should wear off in a few hours."
Harry couldn't believe his luck. He had not only spent the entire day with his godfather, but he had just witnessed a beached wale being scoured to death by a fuming horse, this was priceless. To top it off he was already happy at hearing stories of when Sirus and his dad, and mom. Used to prank the Slytherins.
Harry thought that he was about to burst at the seam with happiness, and decided to pull out the picture book that Hagrid had given him. He opened the book to the first page, and let out a long sigh. "I miss you." He said as he traced the faces of his parents with his finger. "Boy do I miss you."
Harry sat there for a while replaying the day's events, but his mind kept coming back to one thing Sirus had said. "Lily was always the last to stop laughing, she was always so happy, James and I loved to hear her laugh."
To Harry this made him both smile, and cry, He wished so much that he could here his mom laugh. The only memories Harry had of his father and mother were the last moments of their lives, if only they could have defeated Voldermort, then Harry would be happy. No, he wouldn't be living with these horrible people, Sirus would be free, Cedric would never have died, and for once, Harry would have a real family.
This was almost too much for Harry to handle, he spent the next hour before he went to slip just pondering on the what ifs, when he was about to break down and cry, he remembered what Dumbledore said about not living in the past, but for the future, and decided to put it out of his mind.
The Dursley's had stopped screaming, and pounding on Harry's door, so it was safe to guess that the effects of the taffy had worn off. After replacing the floorboard over His things, Harry was ready for bed; so changing quickly he jumped on. The only problem is that instead of landing on his Bed, Harry felt the familiar pulling behind his navel that he had received both times he had used a portkey, Next thing he new, he was again laying on the ground in front of Tom Riddle's grave, and just like before, he knew he was not alone.
"Wormtail" Harry screamed, "What's this, what just happened." Wormtail just turned around laughing, leaving Harry just sitting there. He new he was in trouble this time this was not a nightmare, something had happened.
"If only I had my wand," He thought, "I won't stand a chance without that." Just as Harry was about to get up and run, he heard the voice that haunted his dreams, the voice that sent chills down his spine.
"Voldermort" Harry yelled. He didn't need to turn around to know it was him, as soon as he heard the voice he felt the searing pain of his scar. "What, how" is all Harry could say.
"Crucio." Harry new by the pain he was feeling that Voldermort just placed the crucatus curse on him. He was going to die, Voldermort had returned just two months earlier, and he had already trapped Harry. The pain that he was feeling was blinding. Harry was struggling to stay conscious, and just as he thought he was going to pass out, the pain stopped. Voldermort had released the curse on Harry and was standing above him Laughing.
"What boy did that hurt" Harry couldn't say anything; he just lay their gasping for breath. "I see you still don't have enough respect for me to answer." Voldermort said in a taunting voice.
"Crucio" just like before Harry once again felt the inhuman feeling of the crucatus curse, but this time it was to much for Harry to control. Letting out a god-awful scream, Harry cringed as every muscle contracted with pain.
Harry knew he wasn't going to last month longer. The pain of the crucactus curse was driving him mad, and his violent muscle spasms were tearing his body up. Reaching up to touch his forehead, Harry could fell blood running down his face, and closing his eyes to help fight off the pain, Harry prepared himself for what was to come.
"This is it." He thought as everything begun to fade into darkness. "Either I will die of pain, or die from the killing curse." He though, but just like last time, just as he was to the point of passing into another world, it all stopped. Once again the Dark lord had taken the curse off of Harry, and once again Harry was gasping to breath.
He was being tortured; Voldermort wasn't going to let him pass out. He was intending to make Harry suffer. Nothing but cruelty ran through the veins of Voldermort, and he wanted Harry to suffer that he suffered after his fall.
Forcing himself to look up, Harry's saw the dark lord talking to a death eater. "This isn't happening" Harry thought as the distraction gave him a minute to catch his breath. Deciding then and there that he was not going to give Voldermort the pleasure of simply killing him, Harry forced himself to stand.
"I am not scared of you, or of dying." He said in a voice full of courage. Although Harry was in fact terrified of both, he wanted to die in defiance, not in fear. Disregarding the pain his body was going through, and the searing needles crashing through his scar, Harry glared directly into Voldermorts eyes.
"You can kill me now, but you will never be able to defeat Dumbledore." Voldermort just stared at Harry. It looked to Harry as if he was choosing his words wisely, and with rage filled eyes, Harry stood there waiting for Voldermort to finish him when it all came crumbling down.
"Little boy," Voldermort hissed, walking over, and placing a finger on Harry's forehead. "Dumbledore is already dead, why do you think it was so easy to get to you." Laughing at the expression that crossed Harry's face, Voldermort pointed his wand at Harry, and when everything fell quiet he did it. "Aveda Kedavara"