Disclaimer: All the characters from Harry Potter are not mine, I did not create them, so don't sue! However, the plot on this IS mine so don't steal. Thanks.
A/N: This is my take on their 6th year @ Hogwarts. Some of the information that I'm going to use is based on little hints given in other books! Enjoy!
Chapter 1- The Dursley's Warning
It had been nearly a month since the scrawny, messy haired boy known as Harry Potter had come face to face with his mortal enemy, the one who had murdered his parents sixteen years ago that day. He lay on his bed engulfed in a tee shirt that was six sizes to large for him pondering his place in the world. His perfectly circular glassed sat crooked on his nose while he stared absentmindedly up at his ceiling. He feared the coming of the night; feared the time when he would have to close his eyes and sleep, for he knew that the Dark Lord was now aware of their uncanny connection to each other. Though professor Albus Dumbledore had stressed upon him that the death of his godfather was far from his fault, he couldn't get the thought out of his mind. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Sirius falling though the whispering black veil in the department of Mysteries. His scar, the part of him that made his connection to Voldemort clear, was now a constant discomfort to Harry. Not a single second, from the time he had arrived at the Dursley's, had passed without his scar having a slight aching feeling to it. It was no matter to him anymore, he was happy that he was safe, no matter how horrible he was treated at "home." This thought kept flooding his brain. He had to constantly remind himself that the Dursley's residence at number four privet drive was his home. Thinking this was like waging war with his brain. He thought, no, he knew that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was his home, but to keep the blood bond and uphold his only means of real protection against Voldemort, he had to make himself believe that this perfectly kept, prison that he was living in was where he belonged.
His thoughts were interrupted by a gentle tap tap on the window of his bedroom, the same window which four years ago had been barred up to prevent his escaping. He replaced his glasses properly on his nose and shifted his glance from the spot on the ceiling to the empty cage on his desk which usually held his faithful owl, Hedwig. Reluctantly, he placed his feet on the floor and walked to the window giving a few irritated groans. He bent down a few inches and heaved the window upwards allowing just enough room for the beautiful, white owl to enter before slamming it shut again.
"What took you so long," annoyed, he untied the roll of parchment from her foot and stroked her feathers hastily. Hedwig gave a soft hoot of approval and flew to her cage for a bit of a rest. Harry unrolled the letter without hesitation and was delighted to see that various people from the old Black house had written to him. He gave the slightest sign of a grin as he read:
Dear Harry,
I am very sorry to inform you we have been very busy so far over the summer with things I cannot discuss with you at the moment. I am pleased to hear that you haven't been getting trouble from your relatives yet.
Harry paused at this and shook his head, "No, they are back to thinking I don't exist" He continued reading.
You will see I have enclosed many notes from various people wishing to check up on you as the summer drags on.
Wishing you the best (also wishing you a Happy birthday)
Remus Lupin
Harry was perplexed, but in a delighted fashion, "At least someone remembered." He shifted his weight around on his bed and continued reading. As he unrolled his parchment further, another enveloped letter fell out onto his untidy floor. He decided he would look at it later, as he was most anxious to hear from his two best friends.
Dear Harry,
I am very happy to hear that you are ok. I have a birthday present waiting for you at---er----anyway, we will seeing you very soon I expect and cannot wait to hear what you got on your O.W.Ls. Moody says it is no longer safe to send many owls from---er---well you know, so I will talk to you when you arrive. Hope your aunt and uncle (I cannot bring myself to say their names) aren't starving you again, but if they are, there are hearty meals awaiting you here.
Sending Much Love,
Hermione
That was it, Harry's face was host to a full fledged smiled for the first time in a long time. He was absolutely beaming to hear that he would soon be able to be away from his horrible aunt, uncle, and cousin. He couldn't help but remember Mrs. Weasley's amazing cooking. He found his mouth watering at the thought of it. He read on.
Hey there mate,
Unbelievable! You won't believe what I got on my O.W.L.s! I can only bet what you got on yours! Mum's bought you top notch Honeydukes chocolate for your sweet sixteen. Congrats! Fred and George say hello (they are reading over my shoulder) but they are too lazy to write. Their business is booming, it is the talk of Diagon Alley. They have some new inventions to show you when you come to visit (which I hope is very soon because I am rather sick of Hermione boasting about her grades.) Happy Birthday again!
Cheers Mate,
Ron
Harry let out a sigh of relief as he examined his room. Things were carelessly strewn about, clothes in small piles in every imaginable place. He couldn't really decide weather he did this to irritate his Aunt Petunia, or just because he couldn't summon the energy, or the will to tidy up. He looked once again to the piece of parchment that rested now on is lap. There was one more letter and it was from Mrs. Weasley. For once this summer he actually felt like doing something, he felt relieved, happy even. For once he was not thinking about Sirius, or Voldemort, or what the coming year would bring, he was thinking only that he had people who cared for him. He gave another recognizable grin before proceeding.
Dear Harry,
Hello dear! I really hope you are doing well. It has taken me some time to figure out a safe way for Hedwig to travel, but have finally managed to do so. I expect this letter to be arriving sometime around your birthday, and let me assure you dear that you have plenty of gifts waiting for you. I am afraid there were simply too many to bother poor Hedwig with. Anyway dear, we will be sending your relatives a letter through muggle post giving them instructions about what they are to do when we arrive to pick you up. (If you would please tell me whether 'please stay out of our way and keep the stout one away from any candies my twins might leave for him' sounds rude to a muggle.) I cannot wait until you arrive dear! It will be most unexpected when we do come to retrieve you, as to keep our location a secret. So be on the lookout! Hope you did well on your O.W.L.s. Ron and Hermione have already received their letters. You may send Hedwig back with a reply and we will keep her until you arrive (that will remove on less hassle of transporting your possessions)
Wishing you the best,
Mrs. Weasley
Harry rolled the parchment up neatly and clung to it like it was his last breath. He had been waiting for this all summer and it had finally came on the day that everyone seemed to forget, his birthday. He closed his eyes for once and imagined that he was back at the Black house sitting by the fire eating dinner and talking to the Weasleys and Lupin and everyone he knew in the Order---
"HARRY POTTER!" Harry felt his heart jump into his throat and he allowed the parchment to slip from his fingers while he was pulled back into the harsh reality that was his life with the Dursleys. "HARRY POTTER!" the voice was deep and full of rage.
"Coming Uncle Vernon!" Harry slipped out of his bed and ran down the stairs, stomping on each one dramatically to make the most noise he possibly could.
"AND BOY IF YOU MAKE SUCH A RACKET IN MY HOUSE AGAIN YOU WON'T SEE DAYLIGHT FOR THREE DAYS!" Harry clenched his fists and could feel his face turning the most vibrant of red.
"Is that so well if it hadn't occurred to," he was cut off as he rounded the corner. Standing by the sink in the kitchen, in front of an open window, was a porky man who's face reminded Harry of a ripe beet. Not that this face wasn't always particularly round, but it had turned the color in-between purple and red. He was holding two feet in his hands and what looked to be a barn owl was screeching and flapping its wings violently.
"I TOLD YOU NO—MORE—BLOODY—OWLS" He threw the bird in Harry's direction and as the owl continued to act violently, he ripped a good chunk of flesh from his arm before he landed on the table in front of him. Harry gripped his forearm as blood persisted to seep out of the cuts. Aunt Petunia was screaming like mad for him to 'get off her floor, she had just mopped this morning' and paid little attention to the fact that he was bleeding a good deal now. Vernon Dursley threw him a towel; "NOW TAKE THAT BLOODY BIRD TO YOUR ROOM AND STAY THERE"
Harry's face once more went red and instead of moving, he released his arm and bled freely onto his aunt and uncle's newly cleaned floor. "I don't think I will thank you." He gave a vaguely sarcastic smile.
"What did you say to me boy?" Uncle Vernon took a few steps toward him defensively. Harry seized the opportunity.
"I believe I said," he paused and made it look like he was trying to remember what he had last said, "I—don't—think—I—will—thank—you" He smiled again.
Uncle Vernon looked extremely displeased and appeared to be holding his breath, as his face was getting purpler by the second. "I WILL NOT BE SPOKEN TO IN THAT MANOR IN MY OWN HOUSE" his voice exploded and flooded the whole house. Harry could see his neighbor slam her window shut through the Dursley's opened one.
He replied in an equally loud and harsh voice "FINE, I'LL LEAVE" and Harry Potter was not one to back down on his word. He fetched the letter from the owl and gave it a smack so that it took off flying around the room leaving droppings that he would undoubtedly be forced to clean up later. He could hear Aunt Petunia give a faint scream as he slammed the front door of the house. He didn't go far, just around to the side of the house where he could hide behind some bushes. He stared at the envelope for a moment
Mr. Harry Potter
Number 4 Privet Dive
Spare bedroom
He turned it over to see the unmistakable Hogwarts seal. Recovering from his rage, he gave a small sigh, "Must be my booklist," He tore open the letter and began reading.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Enclosed is a copy of your O.W.L. scores. Please note your classes will be chosen according to your scores and your teachers here at Hogwarts.
-Minerva McGonagall, head of Gryffindor House
A piece of parchment fell out of this note. Harry felt his heart sink, he knew he had probably done poorly, as his mind had been preoccupied at the time of the exams. His eyes, however widened when he read his first score.
Potions-Outstanding
He did a double take to make sure he had read it correctly. His dreams of becoming a Auror may not be shot after all. He continued reading over the list.
Potions-Outstanding
Transfiguration-Exceeds Expectations
Defense Against the Dark Arts- Outstanding
History of Magic-Dreadful
Herbology-Exceeds Expectations
Astronomy-Poor
Divination-Poor
Charms-Exceeds Expectations
Care of Magical Creatures-Outstanding
He dropped the parchment and rubbed his eyes vigorously while shaking his head. He knew for a fact that he had not deserved full marks in potions or herbology, and he should have gotten no more than dreadful on astronomy and divination. He placed his back against the outside of the house. It was cool and refreshing from being in a shaded area. "It can't be," he was at a loss for words. Thoughts poured over his brain, his scar tingled with the slightest pain; he was overwhelmed. What if they had scored him because of the person he was? He couldn't help but close his eyes. Squeezing them shut, he tried hard to clear his mind of all thoughts and feelings. He had never been much good at this, even with lessons from Snape. He winced at the thought of the teacher he hated most at Hogwarts. The thoughts were too powerful and too many, Harry could feel himself spinning and found himself in the most unlikely of places; sleep.
They were back in the department of mysteries; wizards from the Order were dueling with Death Eaters all around him. At once, all the Death Eaters stopped and removed the horrible masks, to reveal their equally repulsive faces. They smiled utterly sarcastic smiles and all of them, in synchronization turned and yelled the killing curse at his godfather. His limp and lifeless figure lay unmoving on the ground staring at Harry, as if asking for help, but every time Harry tried to move closer to Sirius; the tentacles of two brains would hold him down. The veil that was whispering fell unexpectedly on the ground and opened like a mouth and swallowed Sirius. Taking advantage of his weakness, the death eaters started to move in a circle around him muttering crude comments under their breath. Harry tried to follow them, whipping his neck around to keep up with their moving. "You'll meet the same end HARRY POTTER. You are going to DIE HARRY POTTER. He's going to destroy you HARRY POTTER. HARRY POTTER. HARRY POTTER. HARRY,"
"Harry. Harry," Harry felt his shoulder being shaken. It made contact with the cool wall after it had been moved forward. This startled him and he swung his arm around and made contact with something solid. The person gave a high-pitched yelp, obviously that of a woman's. Harry's eyes shot open and he backed away quickly.
"S-stay away from…" The sight before him cut off his voice. He recognized the silver hair with a violet streak immediately, only this time she had a stream of blood running down from her left nostril. "Tonks?"
"Nice to see you again too Harry," She quickly changed the appearance of her nose back to normal, "Tell me, what were you dreaming?" She sat down beside him. Harry always liked Tonks. She was an auror, and rather young and easy to talk to.
"Oh—that—yes, it was nothing really," Harry lied evenly, but Tonks' unbelieving face stayed the same.
"Sirius again?" She backed away a little knowing that the subject at hand was a very sensitive one to Harry. Nevertheless, she looked caring.
"Yes—but" He gave her a look of surprise. "Who—told—you?" He asked this because he did not have any recollection of telling anyone about his now reoccurring dreams.
"Remus said you may have dreams. A very educated presumption, mind you" She smiled loosely.
"All the same, what are you doing here? Did you apparate?" He knew that you were not allowed to do magic in the presence of muggles, and he found himself desperately searching the surrounding areas for signs of people. When he found none, he turned back to her.
"Of course I did. Wouldn't expect me to use muggle transportation all the way here now would you?" She smiled again and got to her feet brushing off her backside.
"Well I—are you allowed?" Harry couldn't have imagined what she was here for.
"On special business Harry. As long as I wasn't seen, I should be okay." She held out her hand, which Harry gladly took. She helped him to his feet and proceeded to straighten out his embarrassingly large tee shirt. "You know Harry, you really should continue with Occlumency this year. We have had words with Professor Snape and he has agreed to continue with the lessons." Harry clenched his fists at this.
"I DO NOT WANT HIM TO TEACH ME!" He took a deep breath to regain control of himself. Tonks had not even flinched at his shouting.
"Yes, but as such, you also don't want you-know-who getting inside your mind. Something you ought to think on Harry. I daresay you may reconsider when you think of the circumstances Snape had to give you a second chance under."
"Of course," Harry thought to himself. He had completely forgotten about the incident with the Pesieve. He decided he wouldn't say more on the subject, but he still wondered why Dumbledore couldn't find the time to teach Harry himself. As he thought this, he found himself being very selfish, as Dumbledore had many more important things to handle. "How did you know about that?" Harry asked aloud this time.
"He mentioned it while we were all trying to persuade him. Although he didn't say what you saw." Harry grimaced again. He remembered it all to well now. How his father had tormented and made fun of Snape in front of everybody, for the simple reason that he was bored. He still didn't know if this is the way that his dad had been all the time, and knew in his mind that he couldn't have been.
"What do you mean 'we were all trying to persuade him'" He cocked his head in confusion.
"I have to say Harry, you did a number on him. It took Myself, Remus, Moody, Arthur, and Dumbledore himself before he would agree to it." Harry couldn't help but grin. How he hated Snape for what he had done. He had ignored him when he was trying to tell him about Sirius in Umbridge's office. Even though the headmaster had informed him that Snape had done something, he had not helped and that is what mattered to Harry. "Well, now. Too business," She looked around to make sure that muggles were not staring in their direction, "Do I look alright to meet your relatives?" She continued to straighten out her lousy attempt at muggle clothing. She was wearing a dress that looked like it was in style during the 1920's.
"Well," Harry tried to leave the dress out of it, "My aunt may faint when she sees, well," He pointed at her hair then looked away quickly wondering if that had sounded rude.
"Right," said Tonks. "That. Yes well we will have to secure that possibility then." That instant, her hair turned long and was multicolored, like an effervescent rainbow. Harry laughed at this as Tonks made her way to the front door of the Dursley's home.
"WAIT! What are you doing?! They will kill me if I bring you in there!" Harry jumped in front of the doorknob precisely before she lay a finger on it.
"Harry, I am not here to get you killed. I am here to scare your relatives so that they do not treat you like an unflushed loo." She said this rather coolly, then she pushed Harry gently aside. She opened the door slowly and peeked to see if anyone was inside.
"I thought you might bring yourself back here to steal from my fridge!" The whole family seemed to be sitting in front of the television not giving two knuts whether Harry was at the door or not.
"Did you? Well if my memory serves me correctly, I'd say I've never stepped one foot inside your house," The Dursley's all jumped up and backed against the wall that was furthest from Tonks. She, rather theatrically, put one of her feet across the threshold and continued, "Until now that is." She grabbed for Harry's arm, keeping her eyes on his aunt, uncle and cousin. When she made contact with Harry, she did not grasp his arm, but the back of his neck. She pulled him inside the house and drew him close to her side. As expected, aunt petunia looked extremely revolted by the sight of Tonks' hair and was flirting with the lines of consciousness.
"WHAT—do—you—think—gives—YOU—the—right—to—come—onto—my—property?" Uncle Vernon seemed completely livid. He looked Tonks up and down and sneered in disgust. "YOU!" he stood and pointed a plump finger straight at Harry. "What have you brought into my home boy?!" He walked a few steps toward the pair, but dare not get any closer.
"Relax, Vernon. Sit down before your face applies for a new color in the spectrum. Harry took another look at his uncle's head. It was an interesting color. Harry would have said it was between beet red and blue-violet, but at the moment Tonks had finished her statement, all the color in his uncle's face had drained. Uncle Vernon took a seat. Harry thought this very abnormal behavior for his uncle. He usually stood his ground and never dropped an argument. "That's a good chap. Now as I was saying. Harry here had no say in whether I came here or not, so if you would kindly not blame him before you are made aware of the facts in a situation. Also, I would ask, seeing as how they are the only means of communication that Harry can use, that you allow owls in and out of your house without screaming at Harry like he had murdered the Queen." She took a deep breath and winked at Harry who was staring at her blankly. How did she know what had happened earlier that day? His thought were cut off by Uncle Vernon erupting.
"WHO ARE YOU TO SAY WHAT I ALLOW IN MY OWN DAMN HOUSE! I'VE ALREADY ALLOWED ONE UNWANTED CREATURE IN THIS HOUSE! I DO NOT NEED ANY OTHERS! MY NORMAL HOUSE! MY NORMAL FAMILY! I AM NOT TO BE BOTHERED WITH THE ABNORMALITIES OF YOUR WORLD!" Once again his face was full of the strange color and his teeth were clenched, making his face twice as large as it already was. Then, Tonks did something unexpected. She began to transform into someone else. Harry couldn't decipher who until he saw her face transform. One of her eyes fixed on Harry, the other rolled around in its socket before coming to rest on Vernon. That was the end for aunt Petunia. She hit the ground with her hand on her head. Tonks, turned Mad-Eye Moody, was walking over to the Dursley's with the familiar clunk clunk of Moody's wooden leg.
"I suppose," started Tonks in Moody's voice, "that you remember our words at the train station?"
"I—I—well" Uncle Vernon had fallen onto the ground and was backed up against the refrigerator.
"Yes, I suspect you do. Well let this be your first, and your last official warning. Another fit like you threw this morning over a petty issue, and you will be the sorriest you have ever been in all your days. Mark my words." Tonks turned on her heel and walked toward the door, transforming as she did so. By the time she reached the door, she was back to her original appearance. Before she turned to leave, she faced the Dursley's once more, "Remember you lot. Just one more time and you'll pay." Then she was gone.
Harry sprinted out of the door after her but she was nowhere to be found. He went back behind the bushes, and planted himself in the very spot where he had fallen asleep and picked up his O.W.L. results one more time. He was half way through the scores when a popping noise made him drop the parchment.
"Jumpy today?" It was Tonks. "Didn't think I would leave and not say goodbye did you?" She smiled and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Thanks for that." Harry smiled.
"Thanks for what?" She looked puzzled.
"That," Harry threw his thumb over his shoulder, motioning towards the house, "Back there." He replaced his hands in his lap.
"Oh, well. That was nothing. Goodbye Harry. Take care of yourself now." She turned and walked out of the bushes. "Oh and Harry,"
"Yes," Harry jumped up hoping that she was going to take him somewhere or give him another letter.
"You better get packed. It will happen any day now," She smiled and the disapparated, leaving Harry feeling, for once this summer, calm and joyful.
