Chapter Two: Lightning Strikes

Harry could recall the first time he met his Grandmother, and Great-Grandfather; even though they were not his. It was also the time when they had moved, out of the little apartment on the outskirts of London into its heart; 12 Grimmauld Place. The first few months, the place was dark and dreary but soon Sirius, Remus and Harry had gotten together to brighten the place up a tad; much to Walburga's irritation and Arcturus' humor.

While Uncle Arcturus, as he liked to be called, was still alive and kicking, his Grandmother didn't even get to see his seventh birthday. He thought she was rather nice, telling him stories of the famed and powerful Black family, or the Mischievous but noble Potter family; she told him about each and every Ancient House. Walburga loved to talk about her family, Sirius, Regulus, her nieces, it seemed that talking about it brought up her spirits.

Sirius even took notice of this coddling, he really hoped that his mother wouldn't corrupt Harry too much or make him obsessed with Purity, he never heard anything of the sort. Walburga was a better Grandmother than she ever was as a Mother, likely because she wasn't always having to watch him. What really confused him was Kreacher, he showed a fondness in the boy that he hadn't seen since Reg. The House had an air of sadness for almost a week after she passed away, very peacefully in her sleep. Harry showed more sadness than the others, stating that "He Missed Grandma." He was just happy Walburga had allowed Remus to stay with them, it helped Harry get over the loss.

One of the first things he did when he gathered the Lordship rites from his Grandfather, he brought the Tonks Family back into the fold. He also started contacting distant family members, most had fled to the Mainland during the First War with Grindlewald. Sirius would also be keeping a sharp eye on Lucius, and the Malfoy's, to get even closer, he took a job. He was once an Auror during the War, and the last few months he had taken the role once again; he was working closely with Amelia to remove corruption within the office.

Harry delved deeper into his thoughts, over the last three years he had done that more and more, now at eight; he was as curious as a cat. Dumbledore advised against allowing Harry to leave the house much, which was quite alright with Harry; he was far more like Lily than anyone would like to admit. Harry would happily flip through an ancient tome in the Black library than run around with kids his own age anyway. He also thought about his parents often.

Lily and James Potter, they were very powerful if the Prophet reports he had found were true, both of them were thorns in the Dark Lord's side. While the family wouldn't talk about how they died, Harry pieced it together rather easily. The public called him The Boy Who Lived and no matter where he went, he was always seen, at first he was swarmed by reporters. He gathered that the Dark Lord had tried to kill him, failed and because he survived, he was seen as a hero; he should be seen as a survivor.

Having the thought that he was a Survivor, kept him rather humble, he wasn't any better than anyone else, and was most likely just lucky. Still most saw him as the next coming of Merlin, and if he wanted to live up to that title, he needed to learn. Books of all kinds interested him, Walburga had even shown him a handy book sleeve that disguised any book he was reading; he used it sparingly on the books Sirius' had tried to hide from him. Defense, Potions and Transfiguration were all strengths that he researched and delved into full heartedly; there were times he didn't understand, but he pressed through regardless.

It was no surprise to Remus or Sirius that Harry had also taken to flying like a fish to water, or the bird he liked to think he was, to the sky. He had actually gotten rather close to Grandfather Arcturus and Remus while Nym and Sirius were away; he apparently reminded the old man of someone he knew a long time ago.

"Hey, earth to Harry?" A female voice called him out of his thoughts, her toxic green eyes reminded him of his own, but that was because of her ability. Nymphadora Tonks was a Metamorph, which meant that she could alter anything about her physical nature, often meaning she was short, curvy and pink haired. "You were zoning out on me kiddo." She teased with a grin, the light flashing off her new silver stud in her nose.

Harry stuffed his hands into his jeans pockets, his small glare at being mocked didn't help his already dwindling mood. It was early August, which meant that she would be going back to Hogwarts in a month, that would leave him alone again. It was fine, he had grown used to her leaving for the last five years, regardless he could always call on one of his few other friends, he wondered what Draco was doing.

Likely picking on his House Elf, or flying on his broom wrong.

Florish and Blotts was the same as it always was, Nym leaving Harry to his own devices as she went around picking up the books she would need this year. Harry of course did not have the same narrow mindedness that Nym had when picking out her books, being that he wasn't forced to focus on the core values of magic yet; he could learn branches easily.

Grabbing a few of the books that caught his eye, the ones that he knew the Black Library did not current contain. Books on Alteration, Theory of Transfiguration and Defense and a few on the newest discovery's within the magical world; creatures, plants, places, people.

Nym had also ceased to question his book choosing habits long ago, knowing that he would just find a way to get the books he wanted without her approval or not. She wasn't even sure she knew what Alteration was. She also knew to keep a watchful eye on her surrounds with him, he would prank her just as easily as his Uncles.

After a quick stop at the Owl Shop, her owl had died mysteriously after a freak storm, it had so many fence posts in it; she shuddered at the memory. Her watchful eyes caught Harry looking longingly at the Snowy Owl's they were said to be extremely hostile to those who weren't their chosen, and even then. The Barn owl she grabbed was almost like Hermes, so she just kept the same name.

Harry always enjoyed the Apothecary almost as much as he enjoyed the book shop, picking up more ingredients and three new cauldrons always made him feel better, it meant that he could experiment again. Even if his last experiment ended with a bang, neon pink hair and glowing cat eyes was still awesome, he saved what was left in the blown cauldron. At the counter, who was ringing up their purchase, a large shadow loomed over them.

"Miss. Tonks, I am pleased to see you're finally taking your potions making seriously." A drawling voice said darkly, the man was tall and was giving Harry a vampire vibe. His black hair was stringy from being near potions fumes for too long, or lack of decontamination product. Skin was pale, almost swallow looking, his black eyes wanted to bore holes into him. "And who is this? Surely not the famed Mr. Potter?"

Nym took a step in front of him, her small smile couldn't be mistaken for unease if he had ever seen one. "You know me Professor, always eager to improve." She said cheekily, before looking down at Harry "Harry, this is the Hogwarts Potions Master, Professor Snape."

"Pleased to meet you Professor Snape." Harry said holding out his hand like Remus had taught him, he held it for a few seconds, and then slowly lowered it when he saw that Snape wasn't going to move to shake it "I…I guess we already know what you're doing here, sir."

Snape sneered at him "Yes, how perceptive, what could a Potions Master be doing in a Apothecary." The sarcasm in his voice was thick. His eyes then strayed to their purchase "Miss. Tonks, why have you purchased a Silver Cauldron? You were told to pick up Bronze, foolish girl."

Harry frowned a little "Actually sir, that is mine, I'm using it for an experiment." He said puffing his cheeks out a little, obviously a little irritated that he would insult Nym.

Snape raised a brow slowly "An experiment, what does it include then, Mr. Potter." His voice was curious but a dangerous sort of curious.

Harry puffed out his chest "I'm making sealing paste!" He said with a nod.

Snape's sneer faultered for a but the briefest of moments "Sealing…paste?" He questioned slowly.

Harry nodded "By mixing Gargoyle blood, coarse sand, volcanic dust and nettle roots, I can seal just about anything." He gave a small shrug "It's fun to use on Sirius' door." The smirk he gave the potions professor sent chills down his spine.

"Your package, Professor." The clerk said slowly, hoping he wasn't interrupting something. Snape took it without a word, having paid for it before hand "Have a good day…" He called out as the man swept from the store. "Strange fellow."

Nym waited about five seconds before laughing "You threw Snape off! I've never seen him stumble like that!" She said brightly, her hair flashing multiple colors at the thought.

Harry shrugged "I guess I could find another use for gargoyle blood, but it's perfect for the sealer…" He mumbled a little, hands in his pockets.

They were walking towards the ice-cream shop, it wasn't far but Harry couldn't recall the name of it. He glanced up at the taller form of Nym, she was like his big sister and would do anything to protect him right? "Hey, I wanted to ask you something about Hogwart's again…." Just as he trailed off, two red blurs rushed past, knocking him over, that was when he heard a large pop and puffs of smoke traveled after them.

"Fredric! George!" A plus sized woman with frayed red hair quickly followed the two streaks, now seen as laughing kids. "You get back here!" The kids had the same kind of hair that she did, only they were thin and laughing. A second later, two boys with bright blue flaming hair ran past the mother.

Nym couldn't hold back her giggle "Charlie?" She asked, her hair turning an amusing yellow.

"Hey Nymphadora!" He called back, the man was stocky and seemed to have a scar on his cheek "I'm going to get you! You little brats!"

"Catch us if you can C!" The twins said at the same time.

Harry was almost laughing when Nym's hair went from bright sunny yellow, to fire red, no one called her by her first name and lived to tell about. She seemed to coil, about to chase but stopped when two small kids stopped in front of them, obviously out of breath. "Mum! Charlie!" The boy panted "Wait for me and Gin!" He called out, before hanging his head in defeat.

The boy was taller than Harry by at least a head, he was thin, wiry and covered in freckles. He had a bandage over his nose, and his clothes seemed to be worn, and slightly dirty. The girl was shorter than him, her long red hair contrasted to her brothers short, but she also had far less freckles only really dusted on her exposed cheeks, she wore an overly large shirt, which covered most of her arms. The two locked eyes, bright green and warm brown locked for a few moments "Hi." He gave her a wave.

The girl, Gin if her brother was anything to go by, gave him a slight smile and waved back slightly.

Nym gave them kind of a slight smile "Come here you two, I'm sure your mum and brothers will be back for you soon." She said casually "We're on our way for ice-cream, care to join?"

The girl look wary, you weren't supposed to talk to strangers right, but her brother gave the teen a large dumb grin and nodded his head. "Sounds good to me right, Gin?" He gave her an elbow to the shoulder, which caused her to glare at her brother. She glanced at the boy, he was probably just older than her, and she could almost make out something on his forehead.

"This is Harry, and I'm Tonks." The teen said with that same bright smile, her hair had settled into a warm red, much like her own. "I'll make sure we get you back to Molly."

Gin narrowed her eyes at Harry, she wondered if this was the same Harry Potter that everyone called the 'Boy-Who-Lived' she took the offered hand by Tonks "I'm Ginny." She said in her usual brash voice, living with only older brothers meant she had to be loud if she wanted to be heard. "He's Ron."

Tonks gave her a smirk, then looked at Harry holding out her hand "You know you want to." She cooed as Harry shot her a look. He eventually conceded, slipping his much smaller hand into Tonks hand and grinned when Ron was trying to talk to Harry about Quidditch, and while Harry liked the sport, he didn't follow it that much, this kid seemed like an adult the way he talked about his Cannon's; who she knew was the worst team in the league.

The four of them sat down at table, each with their own Ice-cream, Ron wanted a large chocolate rocky road, Gin seemed to like Strawberry, same as him. They talked quietly to each other, waiting for Molly to turn up looking for them, Harry kept trying to get Ginny to open up a little but she seemed rather hesitant on saying much.

"I mean you must have a hobby right? I like to read, mix potions." He said proudly "What about you?"

Ginny frowned for a few seconds, before she smiled "I-"

"Generva and Ronald Weasley!" A female voice shrilled loudly, their mother had come back. The twins had claw marks on their features, and bright pink hair. Charlie had obviously fixed whatever they pranked him with as he looked just like the rest of his family, same as the other boy. Molly had her hands on her hips, and she looked about ready to start yelling at them.

"Hey there Mrs. Weasley!" Tonks said brightly, her eyes still green as Harry's "Ron and Gin here were trying to keep up, but you guys left them behind, so Harry and I were just looking after them, you know till you got back." She spoke casually, leaning back in her chair a little, the smile never leaving her face.

"Tonks! Oh how nice it is to see you again! How is your mother doing? Did you say Harry?" The woman said quickly, almost so quickly that Harry had trouble keeping up, that was until she was looking right at him "Oh bless my heart, he looks just like James! How old are you now sweetheart?"

"Eight." Harry said still keeping his posture coiled, he hated crushing hugs "I'm eight."

Molly seemed to smile wider at that "Same age as Ron! Oh I bet you two will be the best of friends! You'll be sorted into Gryffindor and everything!" She nodded, as if just because she said it, it would come true.

Harry allowed her to hug him, but the second he became crushed, he squirmed out of her grasp, hiding behind Gin. He hated being crushed by Hugs, Andromeda did that, Tonks mother.

Ron gained a sheepish look, rubbing the back of his head "Harry, I was wondering if it was alright to Owl you?" His tone of voice was calm, but Harry could see him wanting the boy to say yes, he must not have many friends outside of his family.

Harry shrugged his shoulders "Just send it to Nym, she'll forward it my way, Sirius won't let me give out the address." He explained at seeing the boys confusion. "You too Gin! I want to hear about your hobbies!"

Tonks gave Harry a smile, he loved Sirius like a father, that smile he had and the laugh was always so powerful when that man was near. This smile that he was giving Ginny, was equal to that he would give to Sirius, she suddenly felt slightly jealous of the youngest red head. " You were going to tell me something, right Harry?" She asked after the group had wondered off, likely home.

Harry rubbed the back of his head "So…you can change your entire body….right?" He asked slowly, the girl gave him a narrowing stare, but nodded her head "Even into a kid right?" He looked away nervously.

Nym was silent for several seconds "I'm not going to be your girlfriend." She said in a serious voice, which threw Harry off and he cast a wide eyed look at her.

"What!? No, Merlin no!" He said shaking his head and crossing his hands into an X "I just don't want to go to Hogwart's by myself." He explained with a frown "Sure Neville and Susan will be there, but they don't understand."

Nym nodded again, her eyes locking onto his for a few moments "I'll think about it, but even if I agree I'll be only wasting a year on you." She said sternly, then held out her hand "Come on, let's go home."

Harry gave her a grin, taking her hand and then keeping up with her as she started to walk away.

It was time however, to speak to the boy "On the tallest floor of the Black family home, rests a door with a silver snake handle." A soft voice whispered through his ear, he spun around trying to find its source "Inside hides one of your greatest secrets." Only the dead street stared back at him, he found no one that the voice could belong to, only a trail of grey cloth and black hair ducking into an alley "Use your gift." The voice whispered once again.

"Harry? What's wrong?" Nym asked as he had now come to complete stop.

Harry shook his head, narrowing at the alley again "Nothing…thought I heard something."

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

Another filler chapter but a slightly informative one, Harry meets the Weasley's and Ginny is much better now that I've fix it. This chapter was basically to cover the gap that the time skip left in its wake, sure I could've jumped straight to him being eleven but I wanted a little filler before hand, helps you see character growth. Updated 08-04-2017~ Demon