A/N: Here's the next chapter
New Beginnings
Chapter 4
Harry didn't know what to expect of Hagrid's 'place', but it was not a hut located inside the grounds at Hogwarts. Harry couldn't believe that in only a month, he would be moving about the castle with hundreds of other witches and wizards learning magic.
He found his exploration limited, however, to the lake and the paths around said lake. He was most notably warned not to go near the whomping willow, into the black forest and Hogwarts itself. He wished he could roam around the castle and get a feel for it before it was crowded by his fellow students, so this dampened Harry's mood.
"Here," said Hagrid, handing Harry a basket. "I put a hamburger, fruit salad and two bottles of water in there that I bought while you were shopping. They are a little old but they should taste just fine. You should make a picnic and get to meet Hedwig." Harry nodded and took the owl cage headed for the lake.
"Also," Hagrid continued stopping him. "I put a couple of owl treats in a baggie and a potion and Professor McGonagall made for me to give to you."
"What can of potion?" asked Harry.
"A nutrient potion to help you get into better shape. You are to take one a day for the next two weeks and then wait a week for the effects to settle," replied Hagrid. "Now, I'm going to cook your birthday dinner. It should be ready around six o'clock so don't come into the hut until then. You can explore then." Harry nodded and watched Hagrid retreat into his hut.
He carried the owl and the basket the rest of the way and set them down by the lake, noting its beauty in the high sunlight. He unlocked the cage and let his owl out, petting her carefully. He looked out and stared for a while looking at the beauty of nature while petting his owl. For once in his life, he was free to be outside the house to explore and do whatever he wished.
He couldn't help but smile until his stomach growled fiercely, reminding him of the last time he had eaten. Harry opened the basket and devoured the food and potion, leaving one bottle for later. Harry sat feeling full and satisfied until the owl pecked at him.
"Oh, right you want some treats, huh?" Harry asked. He found the baggie and opened it for the two treats inside and gave one to the owl. She picked at it before swallowing it. Harry petted her gaining confidence in his ability to care for an animal.
"Now, what should I name you?" asked Harry. The owl tilted her head and hooted softly. "Then how about this? I'll state a name and you'll eat the other treat if you like it. That will then become your name, alright?" she hooted then her head straight and expecting.
"Right then," Harry said holding up the treat with a nod. " So, um… Macy?" The treat remained untouched.
"Okay, not that one. Then, um, uh, Katie?" Harry offered another of his classmates names but yet again, the treat remained in his hand.
"Maybe not a normal name. I guess you don't want to be called by a name normally given to humans," said Harry she hooted again. "Okay, then, something different, hm… How about Hedwig?" This time the treat was eaten. Harry smiled.
"Alright, nice to meet you. You'll be my friend from now one okay?" Harry asked petting the owl. She hooted happily and flew off into the distance. Harry watched her leave and decided to explore as well.
They came to the hut a few hours later hungry and thirsty. Hagrid had stew, salad, rolls and pumpkin juice set out, complete with a birthday cake.
"Happy Birthday, Harry," beamed Hagrid.
"Thank you," said Harry sitting down to his first birthday dinner that he could remember.
Harry would have eaten more food, if it had been more editable. Regardless, Harry ate as much of the 'food' as his teeth and stomach could handle. Harry decided to cook after that as he laid down on his makeshift bed of blankets. Hagrid apologized for the lack of accommodations but Harry didn't care. He had worse with the Dursley's so it was fine.
Hagrid didn't seem pleased that his guest was cooking for them but even he admitted that Harry's cooking was considerably better than his. Harry spent most of his time outside. He read his textbooks or whatever was available while sitting by the lake and giving Hedwig attention. He found all of his textbooks fascinating and couldn't wait for Hogwarts to start so that he could learn magic. He used some of his parchment to write a list of some spell he would like to practice and learn. He craved to practice this spells but couldn't since magic was strictly prohibited to to minors unless they were in school.
He owled McGonagall frequently asking her about King's Cross and how students reached Hogwarts since his textbooks did not explain this. As the third week finished, he couldn't help but feel the need to go to Hogwarts like everyone else do. This was the only year that no one would recognize him unless they noticed the scar. He wanted the chance to meet people as a wizard and then see if they felt the same way when they discovered who he is. He was sure that Tonks and Susan were friends but he wanted a guy his age to befriend. He couldn't help but feeling that he could miss someone important if he didn't meet the person before they were sorted into their houses. He wanted friends that didn't care what houses they were in.
"Does that even make sense?" Harry asked McGonagall as she took him to a muggle shopping center to buy new cloths. She had exchange some of his money for pounds and give them to him. Harry was mildly surprised that she was in a old-fashioned muggle dress instead of her robes this time.
"I see where you are coming from, Harry," said McGonagall leading him to a clothing store. "This is your chance for a fresh start to do something as any normal person would. I condone you for not taking the easy way out." Harry smiled as they entered the store.
They dodged the looks that the salespeople were given them. He didn't like shopping much but survived the hours of shopping to come back to the hut with bags filled with a new wardrobe. He waved to McGonagall as he entered the hut with his bounty. He changed to jeans and a t-shirt, staring at his body. He wasn't big or tough looking, but he did have some meat on his bones and looked much healthier. I look like any eleven-year-old should Harry thought with a smile. He had normal cloths and a normal body. Finally, no one will look at him like he was just some kind street rat.
The last week few by and before he knew it, he was saying goodbye to Hagrid as he dropped him off at the station of King's Cross. Harry set out on a mission. He had his ticket in his pocket. McGonagall had given it to him after their shopping trip. He knew where to go and what to do and was focused on reaching his goal. His thoughts were jarred when another cart crashed into his.
"Sorry," he said numbly, pulling his cart away from the others.
"We have really got to stop bumping into each other like this, Mr. Potter. It's really starting to get old," said a familiar voice. Harry looked up to see Tonks with blue than pink hair.
"Tonks!" Harry cried happily. "It's good to see you."
"Well, what can the lowly Tonks do for the almighty Harry Potter?" she teased.
"Come on, let's sit in a compartment together," said Harry.
"You need help getting there?" Tonks continued.
"Nah, I know how to get there," said Harry.
"Well then, lead the way, Harry," said Tonks.
Harry and Tonks pressed through the crowd of parents and students making their way into the busy train. They noticed many of the compartments already filled with students preparing for another year at Hogwarts. They continued looking until they found an empty compartment. Together they pulled their trunks unto the top of the compartment.
"Well well, I spy a firstie in the need of corruption," said a red headed wizard at the door.
"Indeed, and an oldie that does too," added his twin at his side.
"If you two haven't already," said Tonks rolling her eyes.
"We would, if you have been," said one placing his arm on her shoulder.
"Sorted into Gryffindor like us, Lady Tonks," said the other, doing the same to her other shoulder.
"Either way, it's nice to meet you," said Harry holding out his hand.
"Oh, how polite, and my, look at his forehead, Fred," said the one on the right.
"Ah, I see what you mean, George," said the one on the left.
"Well, I'm Harry Potter, as it seems you've discovered," said Harry shaking their hands.
"I'm Fred," said George.
"I'm George," said Fred. Harry blinked.
"Oh, shove off, you two," said Tonks pushing them both away. "He's George and he's Fred. You'll figure them out soon enough.
"He can't be any worse than our dear mother," said George.
"Poor thing can't tell us apart to save her life," added Fred shaking his head. Harry laughed.
"Anyways, we should sit down since we'll be departing soon," said Tonks. "You two going to join us?"
"Nah, we are going to find little Ronald and play with him the entire trip," said Fred with a gleam of excitement.
"Ronald?" Harry questioned.
"He's our younger brother," said George.
"He's a first year like," added Fred.
"Though I'd shy away from him if I were you," continued George.
"He's a hopeless fanboy," finished Fred.
"I'll keep that in mind," said Harry.
"Also, if you ever want to play a trick on someone," said George.
"Just let us know and we'll teach you," assed Fred proudly.
"We're the best tricksters in all of Hogwarts," they chorused together.
"Possibly the world," Tonks added.
"That is the goal," they called as they left the compartment. Shortly after, another red head walked into the compartment.
"I was beginning to wonder if you were going to Hogwarts, Harry," she said.
"If I hadn't met you, Susan, I would have thought you were stalking men," said Harry.
"Of course, stalking is a prerequisite for the best of fangirls," said Tonks batting her now very long golden eyelashes. They both laughed while Tonks smiled wickedly.
"I like her," said Susan. "By the way, I'm Susan Bones."
"Tonks," said Tonks with a bow. "Here, Harry help her with her trunk." Harry began to argue that she should help two went the train began to move. Together they pulled the trunk onto the top of the other side. They sat down together on the other side of Tonks as the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station and set out for Hogwarts.