Harry arrived back in his room around 4:30, he could finally sit down and get some work done. In the last two days he felt like he was back with the Dursleys; too much to do and not enough time, but this time he was working for himself. Unshrinking his trunk he thought with a heavy sigh, Let's try this again, and once again entered his library. There were twenty bookshelves neatly spaced throughout the compartment. In between the cases were torch lights that gave the room ample lighting. The library was separated by subject ranging from charms, history, you name it. Browsing the different volumes, Harry noticed some of the titles were also in the restricted section of Hogwarts. He spent a few minutes getting familiar with the layout then headed over to the directory. Following the instructions from the inventory list, Harry activated the directory with a tap of his wand. He immediately went to the index to find anything on Occlumency, his luck still holding found one. He retrieved the book entitled Your Mind's Eye, from the section that was considered miscellaneous; it was small only 300 pages but it would have to do.

He returned to the directory when he thought aloud, "I still have to finish my essay on witch burnings." The directory seemed to have come alive and turned to the history section and five titles were glowing. Harry was momentarily stunned, well that was unexpected, he mused and went to retrieve the tomes. He found what he was looking for easily because the books themselves were also glowing. This made finding things too easy, but Harry wasn't about to complain and had been more than pleased at this revelation.

Exiting the trunk Harry placed all his new books on the small table his room provided and got organized. History, defense, and school books were neatly separated as well as his info pack and Occlumency book. He had twenty five days to go through all of this before school started so he, did a Hermione, and prioritized. Info pack and Occlumency first, school books second, homework in the evening and defense for leisure; YEAH RIGHT. He ordered dinner to his room, soup and sandwiches, and with a heavy sigh began his impossible task.

The Muggle-born information pack was a variety of small booklets that gave basic information on the magical world and how things worked. The largest one welcomed the new witch/wizard to their world and explained the need for secrecy. It gave a general overview of the Ministry and the various departments as well as each of their functions. It went on to describe how to access the magical section of the main library in London and the smaller branch libraries and their locations, Harry was stunned because he had been to one of them. The booklet concluded with a list of contacts to obtain more detailed information.

The next booklet came directly from Hogwarts, again welcoming them and gave a brief history of the school. It explained the house system, dress code, and what personal items are allowed. It showed how to use the owl mail service as well as how to write to muggle relatives that are unaware of magic. Also included was a brief biography of the current headmaster, how to find the Leaky Cauldron, suggested reading list, and concluded with a list of dates for an orientation meetings. This made Harry's blood boil, checking the dates he could have gone to the last meeting if Hagrid hadn't returned him to the Dursleys. He decided against attending one this summer; he just didn't have the time.

Regaining his composure Harry pressed on, there was a map of Diagon Alley with a complete list of shops and restaurants and business hours for each. Harry saw that there was a park area at the far end he would have to check out later. A pamphlet from Gringgots with basic procedures for exchanging muggle pounds for Galleons as well as opening accounts and vaults. The difference between the two was that accounts are a finite sum of money that does not gain interest, vaults do but require a larger deposit. Accounts are only accessible at Gringgots whereas vaults can utilize the Key-Hole Box at major stores as well as the ability to write checks. The Key-Hole Box utilizes your vault key as a debit card for a small fee. It also showed the locations of the stores that use this system. The pamphlet contained a list of stores in the muggle world that also cater to the magical world and how to identify them. Harry realized that he had been to at least five of these stores, one of which he shopped at just three weeks ago with his aunt. It concluded with contacts for these and other avaible services upon request.

The rest of the leaflets were, for the most part, advertisements for different stores and services including coupons. Coupons for free ice cream, half off the Knight Bus, Floo calls and meals were good for one year. There was finally a suggested reading list for all magical services that are commonplace in this world. He would make good use of the coupons.

After reading through everything Harry was not a happy person. He began ranting aloud however quietly, "I could have used this years ago. Why wasn't I told? I was raised muggle, I should have been given this at the start. Why didn't Hagrid let me go to the meeting? What happened and who caused it?" Harry finished his rant breathing through his teeth when he surmised that the one thing in common that all of this had was that Harry was being kept ignorant for a reason. The reason being the prophecy, and there could only be one person responsible. DUMBLEDORE!!

Harry started thinking back to when he first arrived at Hogwarts. Dumbledore brought the stone to Hogwarts to lure Voldemort there. He put the whole school at risk by doing this. He remembered the third floor and a simple Alohomora spell unlocked the door. Hagrid gave him a flute for Christmas that year, music calmed Fluffy. Devils Snare-Hermione took care of that easy enough. The Keys and a broomstick-youngest seeker in a century. The chess board- Ron's a chess master. The potions-Hermione figured that out easily also. Then it was Voldemort and me-alone, the stone was in the mirror; the same mirror Dumbledore explained to me. I WAS SET UP!! It was all a big test, how could three first years get passed all those so called defenses that were supposed to stop Voldemort, unless it was just to test me. I almost got my friends killed so he could play some bloody game. It all makes sense now he was just seeing how his weapon would react. But why keep me ignorant? Because it makes me foolish and dependent on him for answers?

It took a long time to regain some composure, it wasn't easy but this realization strengthened his resolve, but the reality of the situation hit him like a well aimed bludger, I can't do it alone, who can I trust? Harry knew that McGonagall protested his placement at the Dursley's and even stood up for him about playing Quidditch as a first year. This isn't Quidditch, will she help me or go to him? Too many questions with no answers he made a decision, I'll keep it quiet for now and see what happens until then study hard, stay informed and pray.

That being said, Harry began reading about Occlumency. The book explained it as a way to organize your thoughts and memories to retrieve information faster and to protect those memories from outside intrusion. You start off by meditating to find your center, after finding your center you can access your memories, then organize and store them like files, then you build your defenses around your files and strengthen them. The book explained how Legilimency is a form of mind reading that required eye contact to be effective, although it can be used to sense other minds in the general area passively but not how to do it. The benefits are greater concentration, emotional control, resistance to mind control spells; like the Imperius Curse, faster learning and decreased stress.

Harry put the book down and rubbed he eyes, he had been reading for three hours straight and desperately needed a break. The benefits were definitely worth the effort, it would take many weeks to get through each phase but in the end he would be better off. If Occulumecy is so helpful, why isn't it taught? Harry wondered but caused yet another question he couldn't answer. He changed into his pajamas but before turning in made a to do list:

1. Potions before breakfast

2. Buy new textbooks

3. Visit park

4. Finish homework

5. Begin Occlumency

"It's not much, but you've got to start somewhere." Harry mumbled getting into bed. He chose to use a calming exercise described to him that is used to begin meditation. Using controlled breathing Harry slowly began to relax and before he knew was fast asleep.

Morning came swiftly and Harry awoke slowly, he reached for his glasses through force of habit and remembered his contacts. It was an interesting sensation seeing everything so clear first thing in the morning. Harry made his way to the bathroom for his daily routine, reading the instructions given, he picked up the greyish potion and downed it in one gulp. True to the healer's word the vial refilled itself. The potion tasted like wet sandy vomit and Harry had to focus hard to keep it down. Waiting five minutes, he grabbed the green potion held his breath and swallowed it. This one tasted like vinegary snot, Harry said aloud, "Why do things that are supposed to help you taste like crap?" Drinking a glass of water afterwards Harry mused to himself, it's only two weeks, that being said he continued about his business. After breakfast in the pub the young Gryffindor headed back out to Diagon Alley.

Flourish and Blotts didn't open for about an hour so Harry headed toward the park. The park entrance was situated between two buildings with a small archway for an entrance, unless you were looking it was easy to miss. The park wasn't very large, slightly larger then the Great Hall at Hogwarts, but the sheer beauty more than compensated. There was a walkway surrounding an island in the middle of the park that held a variety flowers and plants, with a fountain in the center that showered different colored water. The outer part held different trees, bushes, plants and roses of every color. There were benches placed here and there and even an area with picnic tables. The park was also home to a wide assortment of birds and small magical creatures such as fairies. Without having the map, Harry would have missed this apparent sanctuary from the chaos of the alley. Harry sat at one of the benches and Hedwig flew down landing next to him,"What do you think Hedwig?" His faithful companion hooted happily nipping his fingers. Harry chuckled at her antics and agreed that this was the perfect place to relax. Noticing the time, Harry reluctantly left his new found sanctuary and headed for the bookstore.

Upon entering the bookstore, he was warmly greeted by a familiar face, "Hey handsome, back so soon?"

Harry tried unsuccessfully not to blush and timidly answered, "Hi Sara, yea um I just couldn't stay away."

Sara smiled sweetly at Harry's reply and walked from behind the counter over to Harry. She was wearing a light blue sun dress that hugged her curves nicely; she looked stunning. Harry's mouth went dry and his palms began to sweat when Sara asked in a suggestive tone, "Now what can I. Do. For. You." Harry cleared his throat and answered, "I...I um need these textbooks please," handing her the list. She checked it over then replied, "For those eyes I'll do ANYTHING, now follow me love." as she turned and walked towards the shelves swaying her hips.

Harry was confused at Sara's actions, he didn't know what to do; he wasn't use to this kind of attention. He wasn't stupid though, Harry knew that he was much too young for Sara and that she probably did this sort of thing to all the male customers. He threw caution to the wind and started a conversation, "Um Sara, I'd like to thank you for the info pack, I found some really cool things in it. My name's Harrison by the way."

"Well it's nice to meet you Harrison, and you are very welcome. What cool things did you find?"

"I um just came from the park. It's a great place."

"That's my favorite place around here as well. You'd be surprised how many people don't even bother with it." Sara replied.

"Really, I can't imagine that. If it wasn't for you I would have missed it." Harry replied felling a bit more relaxed.

"Yes, people are in too big a hurry around here. Since I helped you find it that means you owe me one." She said with a playful grin.

"I ..uh..I guess so." He nervously answered.

"Oh goody," Sara happily said. "I'll order some food and we can have lunch there today. I hate eating alone."

"I..uh..okay."

"Wonderful, now here's your books and I'll see you at noon." Sara said with a wink.

"Thanks again, um...er bye Sara."

Harry gathered up his purchase and left the store, out in the alley he began worrying, What just happened? I should've kept my big mouth shut, now what do I do? By the time Harry made it to his room he was in a full blown panic, How do I get myself in to these things? I was just making conversation. Harry sat on the bed breathing heavily, he tried to calm down using the controlled breathing technique he read about and slowly started to regain his composure. After a while, Harry came to the realization that it was just lunch and who knows he just might make a new friend. He had a couple of hours to kill so he wrote a quick note to McGonagall thanking her for helping him, that Hedwig was eagerly willing to deliver. That being done Harry opened his new books.

Arithmancy seemed to be nothing more than a math class. Reading further he saw that spells use a certain amount of power, the harder the spell the greater the power. The course seemed to include an understanding of how you can add or subtract the amount of power for a desired effect. It was also the basis for spell modification and creation it was also needed for creating wards.

Ancient Runes was a study of the ancient language of spell creation; similar to hieroglyphics. It explained the different symbols and their meanings as well as how they fit together. The course described an obscure branch of magic called Rune Magic that was almost impossible to perform due to the amount of power and control needed. Runes are necessary for the creation of wards and enchantments; more powerful spells that can't be done with a wand. The type of wards and enchantments that could be created were only limited by your knowledge and imagination.

"Wow, these are really tough courses but could be right useful." Harry exclaimed. Checking his watch he had about fifteen minutes to meet Sara. Harry controlled his breathing, this occlumency is helping already, he imagined and set out for the park. Walking down the alley Harry pondered to himself, if I can kill a Basilisk with a sword I can have lunch with a pretty girl er...woman. Having reached the park entrance, Harry gathered all his courage and stepped forward to his fate.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.