Author Notes and Disclaimer:
We all know Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling and certainly not us; however, Aria Sinclair belongs to us and we love her. We began writing this before book 6 came out so let's pretend for a moment it never did. This is an AU version for book 7. This is our first time writing so please be honest but kind. Flames will be used for smores because we like them.
Ch.1 Leaving for Good
All the houses on Privet Drive were dark except for one window at Number Four. Harry Potter laid on his bed looking at the clock on the wall. He would be seventeen in fifteen minutes. He could leave the Dursley's for good, no more looks of hatred and no more cold dinners through the cat flap under the door. Harry thought how he would miss the looks of terror on Dudley's face every time he saw him. He would be free, free to do what he wanted when he wanted, even use magic.
Ten minutes now, he would soon be on the knight bus. He thought briefly of saying goodbye to the Dursleys just for the pleasure of waking them up at midnight, but why say goodbye they would not miss him any way. Five minutes, Harry stood up to grab his trunk that he had packed two hours ago waiting for this moment to arrive. Hedwig hooted softly in her cage. She seemed as eager to leave as he was.
"Ok Hedwig it's time," she pecked him lovingly on the finger as she flew out the window.
As Harry walked over to shut the window he saw a brown barn owl swooping through the night sky.
It was heading towards Harry's window,"who would be sending me an owl?"
He backed away from the window as the owl flew in. It landed on the back of a chair and settled its wings. Clutched in its beak was a letter with a seal of the Ministry of Magic. Harry took the letter from the owl and offered it an owl treat. The owl took it solemnly and flew out the window. Harry glanced at the clock it was almost midnight. The grandfather clock downstairs would be tolling the time any moment.
He sank back on the bed, "what is this?" he tore letter open:
Dear Harry Potter,
We regret to inform you of Sirius Black's confirmed passing. As his godson Sirius has bequeathed all of his worldly belongings and property to you. Enclosed you will find the deed to number 12 Grimmauld Place and the key to his vault at Gringotts.
Please accept our condolences,
Ranalda Blanksha
Department of Legalities
Ministry of Magic
Harry stared stonily at the letter; he knew this would happen, the ministry searched for Sirius for two years. When you were missing that long you were considered dead. He did not want Sirius's belongings he wanted Sirius back. He thought that's all he really wanted, that would be a brilliant birthday gift, something to bring Sirius back. He shoved the papers and key into his robes and headed down stairs. The fog had started to roll in at some point and it moved slowly across the sky and ground.
""Bloody perfect night to call the knight bus right in front of the house," the Dursley's would just adore this.
Harry flung his hand and wand into the night. With a crash and a long squeaking sound, sure to wake the Dursley's and the neighbors, the knight bus stopped with a jerk in front of him. In spite of his dark thoughts Harry grinned.
Stan stepped out, "Oh you again, is it Neville, or Harry tonight?"
Harry looked sheepish for a moment "It's Harry and I would like to go to the Leaky Caldron."
Stan helped Harry with his trunk. Harry handed Stan 11 sickles and Stan gave Harry a ticket.
"It has been pretty slow since He Who Must Not Be Named is back," Stan explained, "we will get you there right away."
The trip to the Leaky Caldron was as fast paced and frantic as Harry remembered and he was glad to be off the night bus once again. He thanked Earl and the bus shot off and vanished into the night. Harry stood shaking his head at the wonders of the wizarding world and began to drag his trunk toward the hidden pub.
Tom the innkeeper came out smiling "Ello Arry thought you may show up."
Harry wonder how Tom was able to do this, but thought better of asking, it was very late and he had a big day ahead of him. He would be given his apparition test at 10 o'clock in the morning and had to get some sleep. Harry tiredly climbed the stairs up to his room. He put Hedwig's cage and his trunk in the corner of the room then opened the widow in case Hedwig showed up. Sure enough, as soon as he thought of her she soared thru the window.
Harry smiled and said jokingly, "getting slow in your old age."
Hedwig shot him the owl equivalent to a dirty look and Harry laughed. Hedwig was Harry's friend and helper and he loved her very much, so in apology he scratched under her beak and gave her an owl treat.
Harry yawned loudly, "uhnn, time for bed huh girl?"
Hedwig hooted her agreement and the two settled down for a bit of sleep. Before Harry took his glasses off he glanced at the time 12:30, he had been seventeen for half an hour and hadn't noticed, so much for feeling any different. He sat his glasses down and fell asleep.