I don't own Harry Potter.

Hello everyone and welcome back to this new chapter of my Harry Potter story. I'm back from Japan and ready to start writing again. I had a wonderful time in Japan and met some really great people. I spend most of my time with them so I'm going to miss them very much. Anyway now that I'm back you can expect a new chapter every week unless I specify otherwise. I hope this chapter is worth having to wait for three weeks so let me know how I did.

Enjoy.


Chapter 7: Secrets revealed

Harry woke up and when he opened his eyes he looked at the white ceiling of the infirmary and sighed. He wondered how long he had been unconscious. The last thing he could remember was someone calling his name and then nothing. He look around and saw Hermione sitting on his right side busy reading a book. He smiled happy to see that his friend was okay though he wondered if she had been here all this time.

"Hey Hermione." He softly said. His throat was dry so speaking was a bit difficult and the headache he had wasn't helping.

"Harry, you're awake! Oh my god, I'm so glad that you're alright. Wait right there I'll go get Madame Pomfrey." Hermione said jumping right up after she heard Harry's voice. She ran straight out and into the small office next to the room. Not two seconds later she was back accompanied by the friendly healer.

"Well, welcome back Mr. Potter. You had us worried there for a moment." She said while doing a scan of his vitals. She nodded when everything seemed to be in order.

"I'm sorry for worrying you Madame Pomfrey." Harry managed to say.

"Don't apologize to me young man, apologize to Miss Granger here, she hasn't left your side for more than few hours." She said smiling while handing him a glass of water.

Harry turned to Hermione and thanked her for staying with him and taking care of him. Hermione blushed and said it was only natural since they were best friends after all. Harry nodded and asked Madame Pomfrey if she had anything for his headache. She nodded and handed him a vial with a potion saying that this would help. Harry just gulped it down and true enough his headache was getting better.

"Harry what happened after I left?" Hermione asked curiously.

"That is something I would like to know as well Harry." Said a voice from behind Hermione. She spun around and saw the headmaster smiling at them.

Harry nodded and started telling what had happened after Hermione had left. Hermione seemed terrified when he told the part of Voldemort's head appearing and how he defeated Quirrel but Dumbledore just listened and never interrupted Harry.

"After that I turned around hearing some noise and I saw Voldemort's spirit raising and slamming right in to me, throwing me against the wall." Harry finished.

"Remarkable, never in my life have I heard such an amazing story. Harry, you have done the Wizarding world a great favor by preventing Voldemort to get the stone. Well done, my boy well done indeed." Dumbledore said while stroking his beard.

"I didn't do it alone Sir, If Hermione and Ron hadn't helped I wouldn't have succeeded." Harry said.

"Yes, I quite understand. The three of you will receive a special award for services done to the school, I'll make sure of that." Dumbledore said while his eyes were twinkling like firework.

"Sir, I have a few questions." Harry said while trying to sit up. Hermione helped him a little and sat next to him.

"Yes, I suspected you would have some questions Harry, but unfortunately there are some questions I can't answer. If you can accept that, I will gladly answer any other question you might have." Dumbledore said solemnly.

"Voldemort came after me for a reason didn't he? I would like to know why." Harry asked.

"I'm sorry Harry but that's the one question I can't answer yet. You're still so young, enjoy it while it last, there will come a time when I'll tell why, but not yet. I'm sorry Harry." Dumbledore said.

"So you won't tell me? Fine, I'll wait but don't think that I will sit back and relax while Voldemort is trying to get back. He told me Sir, that when he comes back he will finish the job he started all those years ago. If he wants me dead, then I will fight him to my best possibilities." Harry said while staring at Dumbledore.

"It pains me greatly Harry to hear a young boy as yourself talking like he's going to war. Harry, revenge and anger are never the answer." Dumbledore said trying to change Harry's way of thinking.

"Who said anything about revenge? I can assure you Professor that revenge is the last thing on my mind. What I want is to become strong, strong enough to protect the people I love and strong enough that when the time comes I can fight with Voldemort evenly." Harry retorted.

"I see. Very well Harry, I wish you the best on your quest to become strong. If you have any questions don't hesitate to come and see me." Dumbledore said surprised at Harry's answer. He bid them a good day and left the two kids alone.

Harry and Hermione just stayed a few minutes in silence trying to process what just happened. Both of them had understood that the headmaster knew something that was very important to Harry but he refused to tell him because he was too young. Harry had expected that Prof. Dumbledore would evade his question so he wasn't disappointed, he knew from his future self that it was his destiny to fight Voldemort so he had a pretty good idea what was going on. Either way he wouldn't let it bother him, he would deal with that when the time came. For now he had to get stronger and for that he needed time, planning and preparations but he would take care of that during the summer.

"Harry, do you think it was wise to say that to Prof. Dumbledore?" She asked quietly.

"Don't worry, Hermione I didn't expect him to answer that question. And about what I said, it's fine the only thing that he knows is that I will study and train hard so that's nothing special." Harry reassured her.

"Oh! Okay then. So when can we talk?" Hermione said anxious to know what Harry's secret was.

Harry just chuckled and promised her that once the end of year exams were over they would sit down and he would tell her everything. She protested at first because the exams were only finished in three weeks from now and she really didn't want to wait that long. Harry then told her that he didn't want her to have any distractions from studying for the exams and she quickly conceded after that.

Three weeks later the exams were finally over and both Harry and Hermione were certain to have passed every course. The exams had been relatively easy compared to what they thought it would be, so they knew they did okay. Ron seemed to have a little more trouble but he was sure that he passed everything. Hermione then said that passing alone wasn't enough if he wanted to be head boy in his seventh year. Ron just scowled at her saying that not everybody was a bookworm like she and Harry and just left to play some chess with Seamus. After dinner on their second last day at Hogwarts Harry pulled Hermione into a empty classroom and placed a few spells like a silencing charm around them, he wanted to be sure this conversation was private.

"Alright Hermione, like I promised you I'll tell you everything you want to know on the condition that you won't repeat it to anyone." Harry said seriously.

"I promise Harry, I won't tell anyone without your consent." She said.

Harry nodded and began his story from how he got the letter till the day he went to King Cross and met her. To say Hermione was shocked was the understatement of the year, she was so shocked that she couldn't say a word for several minutes and Harry was starting to get worried. Finally she just whistled and Harry smiled knowing that it was a lot to take in.

"Waw, that's amazing. A letter from your future self. I can't even begin to imagine how you must have felt." Hermione said after she got over the shock.

"Yeah, so you see I have no choice but become strong. If I don't then all the people I love or will love will be killed in the war. And make no mistake about it, when Voldemort gets back there will be war." Harry said glad that she believed him.

"So you have been preparing for that war all this time?" She asked interested. She knew that she would help him, if it was Harry's destiny to fight Voldemort than she considered it her destiny to stand beside him every step of the way.

"Like my future self instructed me I have made the necessary investments to acquire the funds yes. Other than that I haven't done very much yet but after this summer that will change." Harry said.

"What do you have in mind?" Hermione said in full planning mode. This was something she liked doing, she hated war and the horrible things that came with it but planning and preparing was something she was good at.

Harry just smiled and told her some of his idea's that he wanted to do this summer but he told her that he didn't have any concrete plans yet. For now he would return to his relatives house and start from there. Hermione nodded and said she would ask her parents if they could go to Diagon Alley and get some books so they could study over the summer. Harry told her that he would be going to Diagon Alley from time to time as well as James Evans so he would pick up a few things as well. Hermione then asked him if she could send letters and stuff over but Harry said that his uncle would have a fit if he received 'freak' stuff at home.

She then proposed that he rent a mailbox and that he let her know the address by phone, that way she could send him things without anyone knowing. Harry immediately liked that idea and asked for Hermione's phone number. They agreed to send at least one letter a week so they could keep in touch and keep each other informed. Hermione also reminded him that he was invited to her house during the summer and that she wouldn't take no for an answer which make Harry chuckle earning a glare from his best friend. After some more planning they went to the common room like nothing was out of the ordinary and joined some of the other Gryffindor's in playing exploding snap.

Finally the first year had come to an end and they were now reaching King Cross station again after a rather uneventful trip on the Hogwarts Express. Harry had slept about half the way of the trip while Hermione was reading a book and Ron was complaining that he was bored. Hermione had offered him one of her books only to have Ron look at her with an expression of disbelief saying that school was over and that he wouldn't open a book this summer before the last week just to make his summer assignments. Hermione just wondered why she even bothered trying to get Ron to study.

When they arrived at the platform Hermione spotted her parents and dragged Harry with her. Her mother could only laugh at seeing her daughter dragging poor Harry around and even her father shook his head at his daughter antics. Hermione quickly hugged both of them seeing that it had been a couple of months that she had seen them.

"Harry, look at you. You've grown into a very handsome young man. Come here and give me a hug." Emma said beckoning Harry over. She smiled at him when he shyly put his arms around her and gave her a big hug.

"It's good to see you again Mrs. Granger. And you too Mr. Granger." Harry said politely.

"Nice seeing you again Harry, Emma's right you've grown a bit since last time." Dan said causing Harry to become red in the face.

"So, when can we expect you to stay over at our place this summer. I know Hermione is very excited at the idea of spending her summer with you." Emma said making Hermione call out a little 'mum!'.

"Well, I will have to ask my uncle but I don't see why he wouldn't allow me to come over. It means less time seeing me so that will make him agree to anything." Harry said making both Dan and Emma frown. They had heard a little about Harry's relatives from Hermione's letters so they had an idea how he was treated. Still there wasn't much that they could do about it except inviting him over during the summer.

"Just let us know when you can come and we'll come and pick you up. Okay?" Dan said placing his hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry nodded and said he would phone Hermione anyway later that week so maybe he would have an answer then. Just then Harry's uncle arrived at the station yelling at him to get in the car. Harry quickly said goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Granger and gave Hermione a quick hug and ran over to his uncle before the veins in his neck started popping up. After a very quiet ride home Harry just unloaded his stuff from the car and went inside. He was about to open the door of his cupboard when his uncle called him from the kitchen. He sighed and wondered what was going on now.

"Right, boy your aunt and I believe that you're getting too big for your cupboard so we'll allow you to use Dudley's second bedroom for the summer." Vernon said while glaring at Harry.

"Really? Thanks uncle Vernon." Harry said sarcastically. He wondered how Dudley had reacted when he heard that bit of information.

"Don't get cheeky with me boy, you'll do your chores and you will keep you freakishness away for my family. Is that clear?" Vernon spat at Harry.

Harry nodded saying that he would keep his 'freakishness' to himself as long as he was allowed2 days with no chores every week and that he wouldn't do more chores than usual on the other days as well. Vernon agreed to Harry's demands and even allowed him to keep his trunk with him upstairs so he could do his homework. Harry smiled, he had gotten the better end of the deal after all, doing chores was something he could live with, he thought it builds character. And he even got two free days out of it which he would use to work on his plans and contact Hermione. He went upstairs and started to make plans for the coming months.

A few days later Harry disguised as James Evans had rented a mailbox for the summer and had called Hermione with a public phone. They had talked for a few minutes and Harry then gave the address of the mailbox he would be using. Hermione promised that she would send at least one letter a week depending on the things they had researched or found and Harry would do the same as well. After talking for a bit Harry said goodbye and made his way over to the bank to make an appointment with Sebastian, his financial advisor at the bank for further investments and a review of the last year. When he arrived at the bank he quickly went to the lady and asked for an appointment.

"Good afternoon, I'm hoping to make an appointment with Mr. Hackwell for next week please." Harry politely said while smiling at the woman in front of him.

"Good afternoon Sir, Mr. Hackwell is free on Thursday afternoon. Would that be okay for you Mr. ….." the woman said after checking with her boss.

"Evans, James Evans. And Thursday afternoon is perfect." Harry said calmly.

"Very well, Mr. Evans. See you on Thursday." She said while marking the afternoon slot for Harry.

"Thank you very much." Harry said before leaving.

Now that he had taken care of that he stopped by the bookstore a few streets away looking for something interesting to read. He wanted to find some books on strategy and planning. He knew that when Voldemort got back he would assemble his army again and thus Harry needed a way to fight them. He knew he couldn't raise an army himself (or at least not right away) so he would have to use his head and other recourses he had. After looking for a bit in the history section he found a book that just screamed at him to buy it. It was 'The art of War' by the Chinese author called Sun Tsu, it was also one of the oldest books on military strategy. Harry quickly read through the book and knew that it would be very helpful to him in the future and even if it didn't help him, it could prove to be a very good read so he put it into his basket.

The next book he found was called '33 strategies of War' by Robert Green and it covered five different sections with existing strategies filled with examples and comments. He quickly read through the prologue and nodded satisfied that this book would be an excellent help later on. He put it into his basket as well and continued looking for something he could buy but he didn't find anything worthwhile so he just paid for his books and went back to Privet Drive. He took off his necklace and became once again Harry Potter, opening the door he went straight for his room and put his books away in his trunk. He would have to wait to read them since it was almost time to start preparing dinner for his relatives. Harry sighed, he didn't mind chores (they kept him busy and were a time where he could think) but sometimes he wished they would prepare their own food once in a while.

Two days later he received a letter from Hermione saying that she would go to Diagon Alley the next week and that she would be able to look for some books that may help them get stronger. Off course she didn't tell her parents about Voldemort, she just told them that she wanted some new reading material for her second year. She also wrote that she already had completed most of her homework they had received so she could focus on other things. She also complained about the fact that they weren't allowed to do magic during the summer. Harry took a empty piece of paper and started writing his reply.

Dear Hermione,

I'm doing fine thank you for asking. The Dursley's are as friendly as ever but I'm being 'allowed' to use Dudley's second bedroom for the summer. Besides doing chores and dinner I don't see them all that much which is a good thing I suppose. I've made some arrangements with the bank for some financial business next week. I also found several very interesting books I'm sure you know 'The art of War' by Sun Tsu? I've started reading it and I found it to be very good lecture so far.

You're going to Diagon Alley next week? Good, maybe you can pick up some books on defensive and offensive spells we could learn. Nothing to advanced, otherwise you parents and the shopkeeper might be suspicious. I will try to get my hands on some advanced material when I get to Diagon Alley later this summer. I have finished most of our homework except potions and charms but I'll try to finish that in the coming week as well.

About not being allowed to do magic, I find it stupid as well. I don't understand what the big deal is since both your parents know about magic so as long as you keep it hidden from others there shouldn't be problem. Maybe there's a good reason we haven't thought of yet?

I haven't talked to my uncle about coming over to your house later on in the summer but I will do so as soon he's more used to having me around again.

Talk to you later

Your best friend Harry.

Harry nodded, this was enough for one letter in his opinion. He closed the envelope and wrote her address on the back before putting it aside so he could post it the next day. He went back to his Transfiguration homework and reread it a last time. Satisfied with the result he put it away in his trunk so he wouldn't lose it. Figuring he had done enough homework and reading for the day he went for a walk. Those walks were a big help in clearing his mind and coming up with new ideas. In his books he had read that preparations were of crucial importance in winning battles. So he needed to be prepared for the worst in his opinion.

He had read up on Voldemort and his Death Eaters during his time at Diagon Alley and Hogwarts. He had researched who had supported Voldemort and had noticed that most of the ancient Pureblood families had been on his side giving Voldemort access to a large amount of money and recourses. He was smart enough to know that money equaled power in both the Muggle and Wizarding world but since he had already started on that he would have to start on something else.

The time of Voldemort's first reign had several severe consequences both for purebloods and non-purebloods. Voldemort used scare tactics and eliminated everyone that stood in his way, he crippled the economy since people were too afraid to leave their houses and since most of the necessary articles got so expensive that most normal households couldn't afford them anymore. Supply's like potion ingredients became rare and very pricy, people were stockpiling them just to be sure they had way's of surviving.

He thought that maybe he would need to start to collect materials and ingredients for future use but that would mean that he needed a place to place them. That thought appealed to him since that would mean he had a place of his own where he could escape from the Dursley's if necessary. That place could also become a shelter in need and a center of command for the battles against Voldemort. Harry laughed slightly, maybe he was getting ahead of himself and getting over his head. He shook his head saying that being prepared for something that might not happen was definitely better than being unprepared when the time for fighting came. He decided to gather some information about buying some property somewhere outside of London later that week. He remembered that he had an appointment with Sebastian in a few days so maybe he could help him with the necessary paperwork later on or recommending someone to him.

On Thursday afternoon Harry went to the bank to meet with Sebastian. He went inside and the lady behind the counter recognized him immediately and showed him to Sebastian's office asking him if he wanted some tea or coffee. Harry thanked her saying that he was fine for now. She nodded and knocked on her boss's door before opening it announcing Harry.

"Ah Mr. Evans, please come in. Thank you Miranda." Sebastian said dismissing the woman.

"Just James is fine please. How are you, Mr. Hackwell it has been quite some time since our last meeting." Harry said shaking the man's hand.

"Off course James and it's Sebastian. I've been very well thank you." Sebastian said before sitting down again and grabbing some papers.

"Glad to hear that. So why don't we get started. Can you give me a small overview of the last year." Harry said.

Sebastian nodded and started reviewing each investment Harry made and give him a paper with the numbers. Harry was very surprised at seeing the number at the bottom of the paper. Sebastian laughed saying that he too was surprised at the amount of money the investments had made, even some of the more critical companies. He even said that he too had invested some money thanks to Harry's example and had made quite some money as well. After discussing the past year Harry made some new investments into some other companies that his future self had advised him.

"That should be the last of them, James. I'll trust your judgment on those last two companies but seeing you were right the last time I foresee no problems whatsoever." Sebastian said.

"Thank you Sebastian, now I have one final question. I'm looking to buy some property outside of London, would you be able to recommend me someone that might be of help to me?" Harry said leaning back in his chair.

"Hmm, I guess by property you don't mean a normal house but something more of you standing?" Sebastian said. He knew some rich people and all of them had large villa's and mansions.

"I'm not looking for something too extravagant but yes something with lots of space. Something secluded from the city as well if possible." Harry nodded.

"I think I know the perfect person for the job James. She's one of the best real-estate agents in the London area, her name is Josie McPherson." Sebastian said turning to his computer. He clicked a few times and a second later a paper was handed to Harry with all her information.

"Thank you, Sebastian. I'm sure she would do a perfect job. If I need something I'll let you know." Harry said while standing up and shaking the man's hand.

"Not a problem James, I look forward to see you again." Sebastian said before opening the door of his office.

Harry left the bank feeling very cheerfully that he had booked some progress in his plans and decided that he would visit the real-estate agent later this week. He would need to think about what exactly it was that he wanted so that he didn't make a fool out of himself. Seeing as it was still pretty early in the afternoon he took the bus to London so that if he hurried a bit he could do some shopping in Diagon Alley. Inwardly he sighed, this was way more taxing than he thought it would be, he had several things going on at the same time and it was getting hard not getting lost in all his thinking and planning. He needed something where he could write down his thoughts and plans he realized. That was the first thing he would buy when he got in Diagon Alley.

After a rather uneventful and boring bus ride he made his way over to the Leaky Cauldron and entered the shopping street that was Diagon Alley, he liked this place a lot ever since he had stayed at the hotel last year not far from here. He had visited Diagon Alley several times so he knew his way around by now. He went straight for the bookshop intent on finding a journal of some sort to write everything down, he knew there would have to be several protections on it to insure only he could read it. He opened the door and went straight for the counter where the shopkeeper was reading his newspaper.

"Good day Sir, I'm looking for a journal of some sort that has several protections on it." Harry said politely.

"Ah, good day to you Sir. I think I might be able to help you with your problem." The man said disappearing for a few moments. When he got back he carried three different notebooks with him.

"These are the three models I would recommend you Sir, the models are very much alike. They have never-ending number of pages, waterproof and fireproof. The only difference is the number of protections on them. The first two have a simple password protection while the third one has a password, magic signature and blood protection as well." The shopkeeper said displaying the notebooks.

Harry immediately liked the third one best, the contents would be very well protected and that was exactly what he needed. He didn't really care that the prize was four times that of the two others, all that mattered was that his secrets and plans were safe from prying eyes. He told the shopkeeper that he would take a pair of the third one (one for him and one for Hermione as a gift) and paid for it, he looked around a bit but didn't find anything interesting for the moment.

He then went to 'Florish and Blots' so he could have a quick look at the books hoping he would find something worthwhile, he proceeded to the defense section at the back of the shop and started looking. After a quick look he had found a book called 'veneficus ritus pro inceptor' which listed several small rituals that weren't considered dark. They were rituals that were light sided because they didn't need any sacrifice or payment to perform. Another book he found was called 'obscoena veneficus pro mages' which contained several offensive spells that he could learn. Both of the books seemed to be pretty old and forgotten so he could claim to be a collector if the shopkeeper asked him questions. The shopkeeper however just took the books and placed them into a small bag and handed them to Harry who paid for them and left. After leaving the Leaky Cauldron he took the bus back to Privet Drive and started writing down some of his plans into his journal.


Thanks for reading and let me know how I did. The next chapter will be online on Sunday 27th of July. See you then. Bye.