One Is The Loneliest Number

by keeperoliver

When James and Lily died, Harry disappeared, and was never heard from again, until it was time for him to go to Hogwarts. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling.

2. Chapter 2

One Is The Loneliest Number Keeperoliver Chapter 2

Harry remained aboard the train as the students departed, and only left when the platform was empty. As he approached the exit, he was stopped by someone calling him.

"Harry Potter."

Harry turned around and answered, "Hello Professor."

"Harry I think we can do away with the formalities, as the platform is empty."

"Perhaps, but it is best to be cautious when out in the open."

"OK, I will give you that. Shall we go?"

"Certainly. I look forward to relaxing after the year I just went through. I hope next year will be just an ordinary year."

"What would be ordinary for you Harry? I have been with you for ten years and it has been anything but ordinary."

"Yes, and I am due one don't you think? Of course I wouldn't know what to do if that were to happen. What is ordinary anyway?"

They made their way to the Leaky Cauldron where they flooed home.

As they walked into the house, they were attacked by a large dog who knocked them off their feet. The dog continued his attack by licking Harry's face and swatting the Professor with his tail.

"Yuck Pads, what the heck have you eaten. Your breath stinks."

Pads got off the two, and returned to his real form. Sirius stood over Harry and Filius laughing at their situation. "I'll have you know that I have been eating nothing but the best of meals. Remus is an excellent cook, and takes very good care of me. He will be by later, after he recovers from the night before last. He had a rather rugged night and wasn't in the best of shape. Come let's sit down and talk about the kind of year you had Harry?"

Harry and Filius told Sirius about the events that took place during the year. Sirius laughed at the mention of Fluffy, and the Troll. How Harry had sung the three headed dog to sleep, and Used such a simple spell to defeat the Troll. He cringed when Harry told him of his encounter with Tom a meer three weeks past. He felt sorry for Harry, the way he had to seclude himself from the rest of his fellow students, especially Ron, Hermione and Neville. It was all for the best, but it did not ease the tension it created.

Sirius then told Harry and Filius what he and Remus had been doing to make sure Harry was better prepared when it came time to face Voldemort. Their search for the Horcruxes had been somewhat successful, with them finding the ring that belonged to the Gaunt family. He also told them of the stone that fell out when they destroyed the ring. He showed it to Filius who drew a breath and held it.

"Sirius, did you and Remus know what this stone is?"

"Not really, just that it is strong with magic. Remus felt he should know, but it eluded him."

"This is the Ressurection Stone of Deathly Hallows Story mentioned in the Tales of Beadle the Bard. With Harry owning the cape, and now the stone, all he needs is the Death Stick, and he will be the master of the Hallows. What it means I am not sure of, but it is something I hope we never find out, as I am not sure what it will do to him. Power has broken the best of people in the past, and what we are talking about here is the power of life over death, or maybe even the other way around."

Harry looked at Filius with concern. "What does that matter? All of us have that power. I mean, I saved Hermione and Ron, and killed Professor Quirrell."

"Yes, Harry, but not with the power of wishing of either of them alive or dead. It is something that has to be carefully monitored at all times as a thought could kill someone just because he or she made you mad. Is that the kind of control you would like to have?"

Harry understood what Filius was talking about, and agreed that it was nothing he wanted. Harry thought about his association with the Charms instructor, the werewolf, and the prankster. They had trained him to be a force for the light side since he was three. Teaching him how to be strong yet caring. Firm yet loving. Fierce yet loyal. They taught him to respect and treat others as he wished to be respected and treated.

Harry was told how Filius had heard Minerva and Albus talking about what happened to Lily and James, and what Albus meant to do with Harry. Filius did not like what he heard Minerva tell Albus about the Dursleys. When he heard that the Potters were killed, he apparated to Godric's Hollow, and stopped Sirius from going after Peter unknowingly. He had gone there in the hope of catching Sirius for betraying his best friend. He was taken back when Sirius told him that he was not the secret keeper. They then both went oin search of Peter, and found him in his home, basking in the glory he was soon to receive from his master, not knowing that Tom was no longer with them. He was surprised when Sirius and Filius stunned him. After he was revived, Filius used an Imperious curse on him to gain his confession, and then after talking to Sirius, continued his questioning, where they learned about the horcruxes. There were five in all. Peter didn't know where they were, but he knew what they were. He learned that Bella and Lucius were each given one to protect. They couldn't do anything about those two, but, They studied Tom's history to try and find the other three. Filius had found the Diadem in the Room of Requirement, Sirius had found the Locket in his own home. It took quite a bit os persuasion on their part to get the full story from Kreacher on this. Sirius was saddened by the loss of his brother, and vowed he would get his revenge on Tom for this. Now with the ring taken care of, all that was left was the Diary and Hufflepuff's cup.

After Filius and Sirius took Peter to the authorities they then went and took Harry from the doorstep of the Dursley home. They made their plans to train Harry for the upcoming confrontation between Tom and himself. Sirius wanted to bring Lucius to justice, but Filius told him if they did that then there was little chance of finding the Diary. Sirius was not too happy with this, but finally agreed that it was best.

At the age of three, they trained Harry in all forms of fighting, both muggle and magical. Sirius and Remus trained him to become an Animagus. His form worried Sirius, as he became a Basilisk. His worry was unfounded as Harry used his form to gain entry into Azkaban Prison to learn from Bella where she placed the Cup given to her from Tom. It took many trips, but finally during one of her mad tantrums, he learned she hid it in her and Rodolphus' vault in Gringotts. Now the problem was, how to get it? They learned that the vault had charms placed on the entire content of the vault that if they touched anything in the vault, it would multiply and heat up.

Harry's training was intense and demanding. They had talked to him about not showing his knowledge to it's fullest when he attended Hogwarts. They didn't want him to tip his hand to any spies that may be there. After Peter's betrayal, they knew that the spies could come from any house. Harry would insure that no one would become close to him and learn his secret. Thus his seclusion during his first year. He would try to continue this during his second year, although he did wish to confide in Hermione, Ron and Neville. He truly appreciated their help after he defeated Tom. There was no way he could have gotten out after his fight. He was too drained and weak as a kitten. He would not say anything if Filius and Sirius didn't like the idea.

"Pads, Filius, don't you think it time for me to try and find some help while I am at school. I mean I could probably continue on alone, but, I could use the help. Hermione is brilliant, Ron is strong, and Neville is loyal and noble. I feel I could trust them if I asked for their help."

"How well do you know them Harry? I mean the Longbottoms and the Weasleys are families of the light, and Alice and Frank were friends with Lily and James, and Arthur and Molly are in the Order, but if anyone found out you are training to take on Tom before you are ready, it could mean disaster." Sirius replied.

"So you think I should still remain secluded from the rest? Pads, it hurts to see the rest of my housemates get along so well, and I have to sit off to the side and ignore their fun. I need to have that kind of friendship. I need someone I can confide in."

"Pup, I will not tell you no, but, you do need to be cautious. Just watch them for a short period, before you make your decision. Filius will be there for you. I know how it must hurt you to see the rest get along, but it is for your own protection."

Harry dropped the subject there, promising to listen to Sirius' caution.

The rest of the summer continued with Harry's training. Filius taught him how to duel. Not the proper duel, but the duel to defeat his opponent at all costs. Tricks that would save his and anyone elses life.

Remus taught him muggle self defense, street fighting, and DADA. He taught him how to conjure a Patronus, which was a stag.

Sirius taught him magical law, Occlumancy, and Ligilimancy. He taught him this after Harry told them of the attempt of Albus and Severus' attempt to read his mind. He also taught him in the dark arts. It was of their combined thoughts that Harry needed to fight fire with fire. All of this training were borderline between dark and light, but, it was more than any Order member had at their disposal.

It was a tough, grueling three months, and finally it was over. They took a trip to Diagon Alley to purchase Harry's requirements for the next school year. Harry was upset that the DADA requierments were ficticious accounts of a ponce named Gilderoy Lockhart. Sirius and Remus told him of there knowledge of the fake. He had been in Hogwarts during their time at school and he was the weakest wizard they ever saw. He had difficulties with the easiest of spells, and was even worse in Potions. Filius mentioned that he did master one spell while in school. Obliviate. This caused them all to wonder about these books, and how much truth was behind them. Luckily, they had missed his session for signing his new book, Magical Me, and the rush of giddy women fighting to get his autograph.

They returned home to let harry pack his trunk in order to be ready for his second year at Hogwarts.

OITLN:

Harry hated that he had to go to the station alone, but, knew and accepted the reasoning. He took his trunk onto the train, and set himself in the same compartment as he had before, and locked the door as he always did.

He wore the same sweater with the hood, and had it drawn over his head to hide his face. He did not want anyone to know he was awake. He saw Ron and Hermione board the train, and a small red head follow them on board. The girl had to be a Weasley, but stood out in her being the only girl. She was very pretty, and Harry could see that she was going to be very beautiful when she grew up. He would like to get to know her when that happened.

The train took off for it's long journey north, and Harry settled in for the trip. He was not comfortable for long though, as a disturbance took place outside his door, where a small blond haired girl was being teased by Malfoy and his goon squad. He listened to what was going on.

"Well, if it isn't Looney Lovegood. Has Hogwarts lowered the requirements for entry this year. And what's this your reading? The Quibbler, what kind of a rag is that? Still you are pretty to look at, and I might have fun with you this year. And you might even enjoy it, if you play your cards right. Of course I will enjoy it either way, as will Crabbe and Goyle. What do you think of that, Looney?"

Luna looked into Draco's eyes and smiled, "I appreciate your concern who ever you are, but, I really don't need assistance to have fun. This is the Quibbler as you pointed out, and my father is the editor and owner of the paper. My name is Luna, not Looney, and I don't think I like that nickname. So if you please just stick to Luna. Thank you for calling me pretty. Now if you would be so kind, I wish to get through and find my friend and go sit with her."

"I don't think so, I think you should sit with us, so that we could get to know you better. Now why don't you come along peacefully, so that we won't have to hurt you."

This was when Harry made his appearance. "Luna, how good to see you, won't you come in too talk for a minute , and tell me how your summer was. Excuse us Malfoy." And Harry took Luna's hand and brought her into his Compartment. Malfoy was livid and started after the two, but when Harry shut the door in his face and he couldn't get it open, he left in a rage.

Harry turned to Luna and asked, "Are you alright?"

"I am thank you, and how are you?"

Harry smiled at her response, "Quite well thanks. Now can you tell me what that was all about?"

"I think he was trying to get to know me. He was quite sweet, although a little forceful. He did get a little rude towards the end though."

Harry laughed at her thoughts about the encounter. They talked some more when they were interrupted by a knock. Harry looked up and saw the pretty red head standing outside. He unlocked the door and had her come in and take a seat.

She sat next to Luna and told Harry her name, "Hello, I'm Ginny Weasley."

"Nice to meet you Ginny, I'm Harry Potter."

Harry watched as Ginny suddenly took on the color of her hair all across her face. Then she started to mumble and take an interest in her feet.

Not knowing what was going on, Harry placed his hand under her chin and looked into her eyes. They were the most beautiful brown eyes he ever saw. "Ginny, what is the matter. Did I do something to embarrass you?"

Seeing Ginny was unable to answer for herself, Luna did. "Harry, you have to forgive Ginny. She has had a crush on Harry Potter for over six years now. Of course it the Harry Potter from the books, not you. But now that she has met the real Harry Potter, She is at a loss for words. If you talk to her, maybe she will come out of it."

Ginny glared at her friend, and wanted to hide somewhere to get away from her childhood crush. She started to rise when Harry reached out to take her hand and get her to sit back down.

"Listen Ginny, That Harry you read about is not me. I never did any of those things they wrote about me. How could I. I mean I am only twelve years old. I hope you get to know the real me. I may not be as exciting as the book me, but, I am here."

Ginny looked into Harry's eyes and saw friendship as well as caring. "I think I would like to get to know the real Harry. Maybe he isn't as exciting, but I think he may be every bit as interesting."

Before they could go much further with their conversation the Snack trolley came by, and Harry bought a variety of treats for them all. They got settled in again, and enjoyed both the treats and the conversation.

Harry enjoyed his trip for the first time, and was disappointed when they arrived to Hogsmeade and the girls had to go to the boats for their ride to Hogwarts. He was pleased when he was joined by Ron, Hermione and Neville for the coach ride to the castle.

Once they were seated, Professor McGonagall brought the new first years in and Harry waved to Ginny and Luna, who waved back.

Ron saw this, and was at a loss for words, "Do you now my sister Harry?"

"Yes."

"From where?"

"The train ride."

"She sat in your cabin?"

"Yes."

"But you wouldn't let us sit in your cabin in our first year. Why Ginny?"

"You have to admit Ron, Ginny is better looking than you, and Luna is quite good looking also."

"WHAT? You think Ginny is good looking? Why?"

"Ron, do you think Hermione is good looking?"

"Of course, who wouldn't?"

"OK, so Hermione is good looking, and I agree, but she is not the only one who is good looking. Just because she is your sister, it doesn't mean she is not good looking. What about Luna, do you think she is good looking?"

Ron never got a chance to answer, as Neville piped in, "Yes she is, very good looking."

Harry smiled at Neville, "Thanks Neville. Glad to see I am not alone in that thought. Now what say we see where they are going."

Hermione took all this in. She was happy to see that Harry was opening up.

The sorting was about half way through when Luna was called up. She took a seat on the stool and she felt the voice in her head. "What have we here. A brilliant mind, Very loyal, very vocal, and not afraid to speak your mind. You would do well in any house."

"Thank you sir. That is very nice of you. If you would though, I think I need to be in Ravenclaw. It just feels like that is where I need to be."

"Of course my dear. Let it be Ravenclaw."

Luna skipped her way over to the Table where she was laughed at by her house mates. Harry saw this and became angry at this, but calmed down when he saw Luna just smile at her mates, and watched the rest of the sorting.

Soon Ginny was called up to the stool, and was placed in Gryffindor. She left the stool and went to the Gryffindor table and took a seat next to the twins.

Harry looked forward to this year, to get to know Ginny, and make friends with Ron, Hermione, and Neville.

He also had ideas for the twins as to what He would like to accomplish this year, and who they should ask to join them in this endeavor. Yes, this year looked to be interesting, as long as he didn't have any life threatening situations.